50jili While Ramsdale's potential transfer to Chelsea is still speculation at this point, Wright's endorsement of the young goalkeeper highlights the importance of strengthening the team's defensive options. In a competitive league like the Premier League, having a solid defense is essential for sustained success, and Chelsea must address any weaknesses in their backline to remain at the top of English football.Racing Club and Cruzeiro meet at General Pablo Rojas in Asuncion for the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana final on Saturday. The Argentines fought back to edge Corinthians 4-3 on aggregate in the semifinals while the Brazilians narrowly overcame Lanus 1-0 to advance 2-1 over two legs. Racing Club will make their first appearance at a continental final since the 1989 Recopa Sudamericana which they lost 1-0 to Nacional of Uruguay. Gustavo Costas's men are in good form with five consecutive wins across all competitions and a win here would bring a first CONMEBOL title since the 1967 Copa Libertadores. The last Argentine side to win the Copa Sudamericana was Defensa y Justicia back in 2020 while Racing have not lost to Brazilian opponents at home this edition. However, Cruzeiro overcame Lanus in Buenos Aires to get here and could put that record to the test. Fernando Diniz has never lost in a CONMEBOL final at club level with Fluminense winning the Copa Libertadores one year ago and the 2024 Recopa Sudamericana. Cruzeiro, though, have lost two of their last three games across all competitions. With only one goal conceded in six away Sudamericana games, a 1-0 loss to Boca Juniors in the round of 16 is their only loss on the road. Brazilian sides have lost the last two Sudamericana finals with Athletico Paranaense the last to buck that trend in 2021 and Cruzeiro 's last continental success came in 1997's Copa Libertadores. Here's our storylines, how you can watch the match and more: How to watch and odds Date: Saturday, November 23 | Time: 3 p.m. ET Location: Estadio General Pablo Rojas - Asuncion, Paraguay Watch: beIN Sports | Stream: Fubo (try for free) Odds: Racing +138; Draw +206; Cruzeiro +208 How they got here Racing topped Group H with five wins from six and just one loss for the top seeding before demolishing Chile's Huachipato 8-1 on aggregate in the round of 16. Then it was overcoming Brazil's Athletico Paranaense 4-2 over two legs in the quarterfinals before edging Corinthians 4-3 in the semifinals to get here. Cruzeiro topped Group B with three wins and three draws from six for the seventh of eight seeded berths before needing penalties to oust Boca Juniors in the round of 16 after a 2-2 draw over two legs. A 3-1 win over Paraguay's Libertad in the quarterfinals followed before the 2-1 triumph against Lanus in the semifinals which booked this date. Team news Racing: Roger Martinez and Santiago Solari came in last time out but are unlikely to start ahead of Maximiliano Salas and the tournament's joint-top goal scorer Adrian Martinez here. Juan Fernando Quintero's brace advanced them this far and he should also start just behind the front two. Possible Racing XI: Arias; Martirena, Di Cesare, Garcia Basso, Rojas; Almendra, Sosa, Nardoni; Quintero, A. Martinez, Salas. Cruzeiro: Rafa Silva is injured and likely to miss out while Gabriel Veron, Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge are eligible despite domestic suspension last weekend. Jorge was the semifinal hero while Cassio kept his second clean sheet of the competition to get here and both will also start. Possible Cruzeiro XI: Cassio; William, Marcelo, Villalba, Xavier; Romero, Walace; Veron, Pereira, Diaz; Jorge. Prediction It should be tight but something has to give so do not be surprised if Racing nick it by a goal despite Cruzeiro's solid defense. Pick: Racing 2, Cruzeiro 1.As the temperature drops and winter approaches, the search for the perfect down jacket becomes a priority for many. The dilemma, however, lies in determining what constitutes a reasonable price for a quality down jacket. With a wide range of options available on the market, it can be challenging to navigate through the varying price points and understand what factors contribute to the cost of a down jacket.

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Share Tweet Share Share Email Managing expenses effectively is crucial to maintaining financial integrity. However, the rise in fraudulent expense claims poses a significant challenge for organizations worldwide. Fraudulent activities not only drain resources but also damage trust within the workplace. Detecting such fraud manually can be tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone. This is where machine learning comes into play, offering innovative ways to combat expense fraud efficiently and proactively . What Is Expense Fraud? Expense fraud refers to the act of submitting false or exaggerated claims for reimbursement. Employees may manipulate receipts, inflate mileage claims, or create fake invoices to gain undeserved compensation. Common examples of expense fraud include: Submitting personal expenses as business-related costs. Altering the amounts on genuine receipts. Creating entirely fictitious receipts or invoices. Reimbursing duplicate claims for the same expense. These fraudulent activities can cost businesses thousands, if not millions, of dollars annually. While traditional audits can uncover some discrepancies, they often miss more sophisticated schemes. This highlights the need for advanced technologies like machine learning to tackle fraud more effectively. The Role of Machine Learning in Fraud Detection Machine learning (ML) leverages algorithms that analyze data, learn patterns, and make predictions. Unlike rule-based systems, ML models continuously improve over time as they process new data. In the context of expense fraud detection, machine learning offers the following advantages: Automated Data Analysis: ML systems can process vast amounts of expense data in real time, identifying anomalies that may signal fraudulent behavior. Pattern Recognition: By analyzing historical data, machine learning models can detect unusual patterns that deviate from normal expense behaviors. Risk Scoring: ML algorithms assign risk scores to expense claims, flagging those with high likelihoods of fraud for further review. Adaptive Learning: As fraud tactics evolve, machine learning models adapt by learning new patterns and identifying emerging threats. Key Machine Learning Techniques for Expense Fraud Detection Machine learning employs various techniques to identify fraudulent expense claims. Below are some of the most commonly used approaches: Supervised Learning Supervised learning involves training a model on labeled data, where the outcomes (fraudulent or non-fraudulent) are already known. The model learns to classify new expense claims based on the patterns it observes in the training data. Algorithms like decision trees, support vector machines (SVM), and neural networks are commonly used in supervised learning for fraud detection . Unsupervised Learning Unlike supervised learning, unsupervised learning works with unlabeled data. This approach is ideal for detecting unknown types of fraud. Techniques like clustering and anomaly detection help group similar data points and identify outliers. For instance, if an employee’s expense claim is significantly higher than their peers’, the system flags it for investigation. Natural Language Processing (NLP) Natural language processing is used to analyze text-based data, such as descriptions in expense claims. NLP can identify inconsistencies, suspicious keywords, or unusual phrasing that may indicate fraudulent intent. Reinforcement Learning Reinforcement learning involves training models through a reward-based system. In fraud detection, the algorithm receives rewards for accurately identifying fraudulent claims and penalties for false positives or negatives. This iterative process improves the model’s accuracy over time. Building an Effective Machine Learning Framework for Fraud Detection Implementing a machine learning-based expense fraud detection system requires careful planning and execution. Below are the critical steps: Data Collection and Preprocessing The first step is gathering expense-related data, such as receipts, invoices, and transaction records. Preprocessing this data is crucial to ensure accuracy and consistency. Steps include: Cleaning and removing duplicate entries. Converting unstructured data into structured formats. Normalizing numerical data for better model performance. Feature Engineering Feature engineering involves selecting and creating relevant variables (features) that help the model identify fraud. Examples include: Frequency of claims per employee. Average claim amount by department. Expense categories with unusually high costs. Model Training and Testing Once features are defined, the next step is training machine learning models. A portion of the data is used for training, while the rest is reserved for testing. This ensures that the model performs well on unseen data. Deployment and Monitoring After successful testing, the model is deployed to monitor expense claims in real-time. Continuous monitoring and periodic retraining are essential to maintain effectiveness and adapt to new fraud patterns. Challenges in Machine Learning-Based Fraud Detection While machine learning offers powerful tools for expense fraud detection, it is not without challenges. Some common obstacles include: Data Quality Issues: Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to unreliable model predictions. High False Positives: Over-sensitive models may flag legitimate claims as fraudulent, leading to inefficiencies. Evolving Fraud Tactics: Fraudsters continuously adapt, requiring models to be updated regularly. Privacy Concerns: Handling sensitive financial data necessitates strict adherence to data protection regulations. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving robust data governance, regular model audits, and input from domain experts. Benefits of Machine Learning in Expense Fraud Detection Despite the challenges, machine learning brings numerous benefits to expense fraud detection: Efficiency: Automating fraud detection reduces the manual workload, allowing finance teams to focus on high-priority tasks. Accuracy: ML models often outperform traditional methods, identifying subtle patterns that humans might miss. Scalability: Machine learning systems can handle large volumes of data, making them suitable for organizations of all sizes. Cost Savings: By preventing fraud, businesses can save significant amounts of money that would otherwise be lost. Real-World Applications of Machine Learning in Expense Fraud Detection Many organizations have successfully implemented machine learning to combat expense fraud. For instance: Corporate Finance Departments: Large corporations use ML tools to monitor employee expense reports, flagging anomalies in real-time. Expense Management Software: Companies like Expensify and Concur integrate machine learning algorithms to provide fraud detection features for their clients. Financial Institutions: Banks and credit card companies employ ML models to detect suspicious transactions that could indicate fraudulent expense claims. Conclusion Expense fraud is a pressing issue that requires proactive measures to mitigate its impact on businesses. Machine learning offers a transformative solution, enabling organizations to detect and prevent fraud with unprecedented efficiency.Furthermore, By leveraging techniques like supervised and unsupervised learning, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning, companies can build robust fraud detection systems that evolve alongside emerging threats. Although challenges remain, the benefits of machine learning far outweigh the drawbacks, making it an indispensable tool in the fight against expense fraud. Organizations that invest in this technology not only safeguard their finances but also foster a culture of transparency and trust . Related Items: Catching Fraud Before It Strikes , Expense Fraud Detection , machine learning Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Can Machine Learning Models Truly Revolutionize Retail Sales Forecasting? AI and Machine Learning Reshape Modern Data Center Operations How Machine Learning is Driving a New Era in Healthcare? CommentsEying the saving of Briar East WoodsFormer US president Jimmy Carter dies aged 100But Barn Chic is more than just a passing trend - it represents a shift in the way we view fashion and sustainability. In a world increasingly concerned with environmental impact, the use of natural, organic materials in clothing has become more important than ever. Barn Chic celebrates the beauty of imperfection, turning discarded fabrics and vintage finds into sought-after pieces that tell a story of their own.

Qatar University (QU) will host the Gulf-wide “Three-Minute Thesis (3MT)” competition, sponsored by ConocoPhillips on Nov 28. The event, the first-of-its-kind in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region, will take place at the QU campus. The competition will feature graduate students from various higher education institutions across the GCC. Participating alongside QU are several prominent universities, including King Abdulaziz University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Khalifa University, the American University of Sharjah, Kuwait University, Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Bahrain, and the Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) in partnership with Northumbria University. QU’s Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof Aiman Mahmoud Erbad, stated, “Since 2019, QU has successfully organised this competition at the national level. This year, the event has expanded to the Gulf level, with participation from nine GCC educational institutions and a significant increase in student involvement.” Prof Erbad also highlighted the diversity of academic fields represented in this year’s competition, which spans humanities, social sciences, and other scientific disciplines. Dean of Graduate Studies at QU, Prof Ahmad Al-own remarked on the significance of the Gulf-wide competition, saying, “This inaugural GCC edition seeks to create a unified graduate studies community that encourages the exchange of ideas and expertise while promoting research excellence at national, regional, and global levels. The competition will showcase the exceptional research capabilities of graduate students across the Gulf.” Prof Al-own added, “The competition started as a local initiative and has now expanded to the Gulf level. Future plans include collaborating with the University of Queensland, the originator of this competition, to extend it to the Arab and global stages.”

COSTCO is known for its large quantities and bargain pricing but there are some hidden details which can save you even more money. A shopper revealed what to look out for the next time you visit the wholesale shop. In her viral video , TikTok user Shivani Khosla ( @khoslaa ) took her followers along as she explored her local Costco. As she walked through the shop, she revealed "the secrets that Costco don’t want you to know." Shivani began by discussing the shop's popular and budget-friendly rotisserie chickens. She pointed out that the ready-to-eat chickens, which retail for just £3.99, are always located at the back of the shop. According to the TikToker, this layout design meant that shoppers picked up more items than they had originally planned. She guessed that this allowed the shop to keep their prices so low. Shivani admitted that the technique has worked on her as she has been convinced to spontaneously buy items because of their discounted prices. She also discussed the hidden details to look out for on the price signs. "Anything ending in '.99' is the regular price, anything that ends in '.97' means it’s on clearance," the TikToker explained. "And if you see anything with an asterisk at the top, this means that it is the last time it’ll be on sale." Shivani clarified that this symbol "basically means they won't sell it again soon." She added that Costco also frequently change the layout of their shops. This means that shoppers always have to browse the aisles to find anything on their list. She pointed out that the average time spent in Costco is 38, approximately 10 minutes more than most other shops. TikTok users shared their thoughts on the insights in the comments section. Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year: Odd boxes - plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price. Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30. Sainsbury's also sells £2 "Taste Me, Don't Waste Me" fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash. Food waste apps - food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public. Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio. Too Good to Go's app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount. Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses. Yellow sticker bargains - yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap. But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here. Super cheap bargains - sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they've found on the cheap, including food finds. "Downshift" - you will almost always save money going for a supermarket's own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands. The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as "downshifting" and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop. "My biggest flex is I once spent 14 minutes in Costco. I went in, picked up my son’s cake, paid, and left," wrote one viewer. " If the price is highlighted then it's heavily reduced. You often see it in the fruit and vegetable section but you can see it in some of the other food sections ," shared another shopper. "These are correct, good spot on the inactive and active star signs," commented a third person. "Stock merchandising, all big stores will do this," said another follower. "[They] move their stock around. It's to stop customers sleep buying because they know where everything is. Doing this they get lured to other products."50.jili 。

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The discussion around the "Marvel Showdown" team building event sparked a debate among fans about the importance of team bonding and morale in the highly competitive world of professional esports. Some argued that events like these not only fostered a sense of unity and friendship among teammates but also helped alleviate the pressure and stress that often comes with the demands of a competitive season.

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But the surprises do not end with just the price - Huawei has also prepared a host of exclusive gifts and rewards for customers who purchase the Pura 70 series during the Double Twelve shopping festival. From free accessories to limited edition merchandise, customers can look forward to a range of exciting surprises that will enhance their overall shopping experience and make their purchase even more rewarding.In your everyday life, time and space know how to behave. A kilometre is a kilometre, and an hour is an hour – no matter how late you are running. Perception is not reality. Einstein showed space and time were one thing, and it bends and warps. A decade ago, astronomers for the first time observed gravitational waves: universe-spanning ripples that move through space-time – and through us. This discovery proved to be only part of the story. Astronomers are finding our universe is so permeated by gravitational waves, the fabric of reality is constantly in flux. Australian astronomers have created the most detailed maps of gravitational waves across the universe to date. Credit: Carl Knox / OzGrav / Swinburne University of Technology / South African Radio Astronomy Observatory The picture that is coming into focus, says astronomer Dr Matt Miles, is one that shows the universe as a vast ocean, dark and powerful. “The Earth is really just a ship, being bounced across the waves. The universe is constantly changing size. Time is constantly changing. The Earth is just riding that wave.” In a series of papers published last week in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society , a group of Australian astronomers reveal the strongest evidence yet for what they call the “gravitational wave background”: the constant rippling of space-time. Einstein imagined space like a piece of stretched fabric, with stars and planets and black holes scattered across it. Their mass bends and curves the fabric. The moon orbits the Earth because it is trapped in the depression in space-time created by the Earth’s mass – it spins like a coin in a funnel. Now, on the stretched fabric of space, introduce a very heavy spinning object: a pair of super-massive black holes orbiting each other. University of Sydney researcher Dr Sean Farrell was part of an international team of astronomers which observed a star that had strayed too close to a super-massive black hole being torn apart. Credit: Ute Kraus These spinning objects create ripples that spread through the sheet: gravitational waves. As these waves pass through us, space is distorted just slightly. The Earth – and everyone on it – widens and then shrinks. Why don’t we notice? Because a fish that lives in the ocean does not notice the waves. “Waves and currents pass through the literal fabric they live in,” says Rowina Nathan, an astronomer at Monash University who co-wrote one of the papers. “It’s the same for us.” Scientists have been spotting single waves passing through Earth since 2015. The new papers show waves are rippling throughout the entire universe. The LIGO interferometer in Livingston, Louisiana, which is used to detect gravitational waves. The team took observations of pulsars, rapidly spinning remains of supernovas, which emit bursts of radiation with such regularity they can be used as cosmic lighthouses. Over almost five years, the team used the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa to measure the distance between Earth and 83 pulsars. They watched as the distances widened and shrank – by up to the size of a tennis court – revealing what Miles describes as a “cacophony of noise” from the many waves they could see. With this information, they have created the most detailed maps of gravitational waves across the universe to date. Exotic explanations The next question to answer: what is causing these waves? The simple answer, if you can call it that, is super-massive black hole pairs. We know they produce single waves; it is likely there are enough of them out there to set the fabric of reality constantly in motion. But there are other more exotic explanations. “The physics is a little wild,” admits Miles, an astronomer with OzGrav at Swinburne University who led two of the papers. The first is known as “cosmological phase transition”. In the moments after the Big Bang, the universe was so hot the physical forces, like electromagnetism, that govern our reality had not yet formed. Eventually, parts of the universe cooled enough for basic physics to start functioning. But – in theory – this did not happen everywhere at once. This produced regions within the early universe operating on different physical laws. As these regions – or bubbles – came into contact with each other, the different physics collapsed into symmetry, releasing huge amounts of energy – and, possibly, gravitational waves. The gravitational wave background may be the leftover ripples from the bursting of those bubbles. If that theory is not exotic enough, there’s a second: cosmic strings. When the regions of the early universe came into contact, rather than bursting, they may have created long fractures – imperfections in the fabric of space-time. “They get frozen in when the universe cooled from its very hot state. And you can’t get rid of them,” says Professor Eric Thrane, an astrophysicist at Monash University. As these long fractures move, they could also generate gravitational waves. “People really believe in these. We don’t know if we’ll ever be able to prove it,” says Miles. Gravitational waves further tell us the universe is a strange and wonderful thing. “The universe is this very exciting cosmic dance,” says Miles. “And the Earth is going along with the motions.” The Examine newsletter explains and analyses science with a rigorous focus on the evidence. Sign up to get it each week .

On the international stage, Macron has also been grappling with significant challenges. France's relations with its European partners have become strained, particularly in the aftermath of Brexit and the rise of nationalist sentiments across the continent. Macron's vision of a reinvigorated European project has encountered resistance from other EU member states, raising doubts about the future of European integration and cooperation.Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 Receives Major Update with New Maps and DLSS Frame Generation Support

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Don’t blame Putin. It is America is starting world war, againIn brief: Shopping for USB cables typically involves comparing compatibility, speed, power delivery, length, and price. However, Sanwa Supply's new USB-C cable features an interesting gimmick that could make using devices while connected easier. Although the cord isn't extremely fast or long, it is rugged and versatile when you need a quick charge. Sanwa Supply's 500-USB090 USB-C cable is now available on the company's Japanese storefront. The cable's rotating plug aims to make using portable devices less frustrating while charging. Each end of Sanwa's cable rotates 180 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally, enabling users to tuck the cord out of the way in any orientation. Most USB cables dictate a device's position according to how they bend, but Sanwa demonstrates how the 500-USB090 eliminates this problem (below). The cable supports 240W power delivery to swiftly charge phones, tablets, a Nintendo Switch, portable monitors, and MacBooks. Its 240W power rating will likely remain uncommon until USB4 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5 become more widely available. Sanwa shows the flexible cable attached to such devices at a bedside, table, and vehicle dashboard. The 500-USB090's main drawback is that it only supports USB 2.0 data transfers at up to 480Mbps, which is likely why the company primarily advertises it as a power cable. Most standard USB cables currently support USB 3.2, which delivers much higher speeds. Once the new USB4 and Thunderbolt protocols are more widely adopted, we'll see bi-directional transfers at 80Gbps or asymmetrical connections at 120Gbps in one direction and 40Gbps in the other. Charging at 240W is also possible but not universal. Elecom became the first company to introduce a certified USB4 2.0 cable in October, but only one model supports 240W charging while the other is limited to 60W. Meanwhile, newer PCs like Apple's M4 Macs have begun adopting Thunderbolt 5, and older desktops can gain compatibility through PCIe cards . It remains unclear if or when Sanwa plans to sell the 500-USB090 globally, but the cable is already available in Japan for ¥2,580 (or about $16). The company also recently introduced a quick-release Ethernet cable. Taking inspiration from Apple's MagSafe technology, half of the CAT6 plug easily detaches, simplifying installation and preventing damage if someone trips over the cable. The 10Gbps accessory starts at ¥4,180 ($27) for the one-meter variant.

Give up stubbornness, talk to farmers: Punjab CM Mann to CentreIn the world of online shopping, discounts and promotions are the bread and butter for savvy consumers. When a brand like South Mountain offers vouchers for nationwide shopping with substantial discounts, it's an opportunity that's hard to resist. With the advent of e-commerce, shopping has become not just a necessity but a pleasurable activity that can result in significant savings. And when a popular product like the Xiaomi Smart Plug 3 is available at a price as low as 38.8 Yuan, it's a deal that's too good to miss.

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Sources close to the club have revealed that Real Madrid's top brass are ready to open their purse strings to secure the services of a promising young talent from Manchester United. The transfer fee of £45 million is seen as a significant investment, but the club believes that the player's potential and talent justify the hefty price tag.White Ferns’ coach gets to defend World Cup title

A Pima County judge rejected preservationists' bid for a preliminary injunction to stop Pima Community College from demolishing three historic, long-vacant Tucson motels. Superior Court Judge Brenden J. Griffin's ruling Thursday came after arguments by the Arizona Preservation Foundation and Tucson Historical Preservation Foundation and by defendant PCC. Griffin said his decision was based on Pima Community College being a “political subdivision” and not a “state agency,” a distinction he said removes any requirement in state law for the college to undertake historic preservation of its properties. The plaintiffs will appeal, said Demion Clinco, CEO of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation and a former PCC Governing Board chair. A judge ruled demolition plans may proceed for three long-closed historic motels — Tucson Inn, Copper Cactus Inn and Frontier Motel — located along West Drachman Street on the north side of the Pima Community College downtown campus. Historic preservationists said they will appeal to a higher court. “Of course we’re disappointed, but this is a significant decision. So, it being pushed to the Court of Appeals is not really a surprise at all,” Clinco said after the hearing. “Ultimately, we strongly believe that Pima Community College is subject to the Arizona State Historic Preservation Act and has responsibilities under the law to consult with the State Historic Preservation Office and protect these resources,” Clinco said. “Because, as was noted during the hearing, these are important cultural assets that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.” Griffin’s decision included lifting a temporary restraining order blocking demolition that was briefly granted earlier this month until full arguments could be heard in court. The order will be lifted as of Dec. 27, which Griffin said will give the plaintiffs time to take their case to the Arizona Court of Appeals. The 1940s-’50s-era motels — the Tucson Inn, Frontier Motel and Copper Cactus — are located on Drachman Street north of downtown Tucson. “We are pleased that the court has confirmed that state historic preservation laws do not apply to local governments like Pima College or college decisions about the Drachman properties," PCC officials said in a statement to the Arizona Daily Star. "We are also pleased that the court refused to issue the injunction and provided plaintiffs with only a limited time to seek review of the court’s decision." “While we respect the right of opponents to pursue further legal action, ongoing litigation will delay our efforts to address critical safety and security issues on the site," and to direct taxpayer resources away from the rundown motels' costly renovation needs and back to "our educational mission and the students we serve," PCC said. The lawsuit was filed earlier this month after the PCC Governing Board capped a years-long debate over the properties by voting in November to demolish the structures but to try to save their neon signs. The college estimated the vote will save up to $35.7 million that would have been needed to restore the motels. Plaintiffs' attorney Benjamin Rundall argued Thursday that preservation laws apply to political subdivisions such as PCC, while the college's lawyer Robert D. Haws argued otherwise. “There’s not any clear precedent," Rundall said, "but we still think that our argument is the right argument, which is that these preservation statutes have to include political subdivisions, because everything in Arizona is a political subdivision. So, if it doesn’t apply to political subdivisions, it really doesn’t apply to anybody — meaning that Arizona residents don’t benefit from any preservation laws," he said. PCC General Counsel Jeff Silvyn, also present at the hearing with Haws, declined to comment on the judge’s decision. The three motels were purchased by the college in 2018 and 2019 at costs of more than $1 million for the Tucson Inn and about $1.3 million for the Frontier Motel and Copper Cactus. Over the last seven years, possible uses for the properties were discussed by the college — a culinary and hospitality program; a diversity, equity and inclusion center; a teaching and learning center; an innovation center; or an education technology lab, with cost estimates for renovation ranging up to $35.7 million. In the meantime, the buildings have sat vacant, sustaining damage from weather and vandalism. The demolition costs are estimated at $500,000 by the college. Reporter Prerana Sannappanavar covers higher education for the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson.com . Contact her at psannappa1@tucson.com . Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Higher Education Reporter

EXCLUSIVE Fury as councils approve thousands of requests to work abroad - including one who worked from Ibiza for four years By DAVID CHURCHILL Published: 17:00 EST, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 17:00 EST, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Council staff have been allowed to ‘work from the beach’ more than 2,000 times since the pandemic. Town hall bosses approved at least 731 staff requests to work from abroad in 2023 – with one council worker logging in from Ibiza for four years. There were 440 approvals the year after the Covid pandemic and 708 in 2022, before rising again to 731 last year. A further 226 requests were granted in the first few months of 2024. Critics branded the figures ‘horrifying’ and called on the Government to order a crackdown amid plummeting public sector productivity and town-hall plans to hike council taxes next year. But Labour ministers refused to condemn them, saying it was a matter for councils. Town halls doubled down tonight, insisting they can still monitor employees’ performance from abroad and that offering the perk was crucial for hiring and retaining staff in ‘a competitive recruitment market’. Many of the destinations staff have been allowed to work from – such as Barbados and Australia – have time zones vastly different to the UK, raising concerns about whether staff can do their jobs properly and promptly respond to emails and telephone calls. The real figures are likely to be much higher as many councils failed or refused to answer Freedom of Information requests. A woman sat on a sunny beach working on her laptop (stock image). Council staff have been allowed to ‘work from the beach’ more than 2,000 times since the pandemic Derby City Council (pictured) approved someone working from France for 74 days and New Zealand for 42 days Sandwell Council (pictured) in Birmingham is one council which allowed staff to work from abroad The Tories’ local government spokesman, Kevin Hollinrake, said: ‘It’s shocking that Labour won’t condemn this for what it is. ‘But it is unsurprising given [Local Government Secretary] Angela Rayner is committed to ideological experiments like full-time pay for part-time work and French-style union laws that will wreck our economy. ‘It shows this is a Labour Government that raises taxes sky-high but couldn’t care less when it’s being wasted – and local people will suffer as a result.’ Joanna Marchong, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, which obtained the data, said: ‘Taxpayers will be horrified that more employees are being given permission than before to work from their sunbeds in what will come as a slap in the face to the residents who are facing higher council tax bills despite reduced frontline services.’ Former Tory Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg added: ‘It indicates a contempt for the taxpayer – they’re just not taking work seriously.’ The data shows one employee for West Devon Borough Council was allowed to work from the Spanish party island of Ibiza from March 2020 until February this year. Derby City Council approved someone working from France for 74 days and New Zealand for 42 days, while Sandwell Council in Birmingham allowed an employee to work from Dubai for nearly three weeks. Powys County Council in Wales granted permission for someone to work from Barbados in 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24, although it did not reveal for how long in each year. Central Bedfordshire Council approved more than 150 requests over the past two years. Tonight the local authority admitted it was official policy to allow staff to work from abroad for up to a month every year, with other councils having similar policies. One council allowed an employee to work from Dubai for nearly three weeks A beach in Sydney. Many of the destinations staff have been allowed to work from – such as Barbados and Australia – have time zones vastly different to the UK, raising concerns about whether staff can do their jobs properly A nightclub in Ibiza. The data shows one employee for West Devon Borough Council was allowed to work from the Spanish party island of Ibiza from March 2020 until February this year Former Tory Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg added: ‘It indicates a contempt for the taxpayer – they’re just not taking work seriously’ As many workers return to their jobs after the Christmas holidays, the figures will infuriate council taxpayers who do not have the luxury of working remotely. It also comes as some town halls look to hike council tax by at least 5 per cent while claiming they don’t have enough resources to continue delivering frontline services. Meanwhile, Office for National Statistics data show that public service productivity was estimated to be 8.5 per cent below pre-Covid levels in the second quarter of this year. The Daily Mail highlighted the growing trend of council staff logging on from abroad last summer, a phenomenon dubbed ‘working from the beach’. But while the private sector has been shifting away from remote working, councils have allowed it to expand. In September, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the previous Tory government’s emphasis on getting people to return to workplaces was ‘bizarre’, insisting that staff can be just as productive working remotely. The Local Government Association, which represents town halls, said: ‘Councils have long experience of managing staff remotely and it is a matter for individual councils to agree from where staff can work.’ The Local Government Department said: ‘Councils are independent employers and they are responsible for managing their own workforces.’ Of more than 300 councils in England and Wales, 271 replied to Freedom of Information requests, with 65 providing data. Wales Share or comment on this article: Fury as councils approve thousands of requests to work abroad - including one who worked from Ibiza for four years e-mail Add commentWhere to Watch Titans vs. Texans on TV or Streaming Live – Nov. 24Good news for commuters using exo trains: Lucien-L’Allier station will reopen next month and trains on three lines will once again stop downtown. On Friday, Quebec Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault helped make the announcement as she toured the station, which has been closed for renovations since April 1. “The work is going faster than expected, so the people who are using the three lines who are coming here from Saint-Jérôme, Candiac and Vaudreuil-Hudson, will have the possibility to take the train again,” she said. Trains will stop once again at Lucien-L’Allier station as of Dec. 21. “It was expected to be able to use them again only at spring in 2025, so every user of any of those three lines will be able to use it again in December,” Guilbault added. “The return of trains to Lucien-L’Allier station marks an important milestone in this project,” said Sylvain Yelle, exo’s general manager. “Our mission is to better serve users by offering them direct access to downtown Montreal via modern, safe infrastructure that is designed to last. Our goal is clear: to preserve and optimize our train network to make it a relevant and essential mobility option.” Guilbault says another piece of good news is that the project is coming in on budget. “It will cost not more than the cost that we had evaluated, so $69 million,” she said. Some of the renovations include the addition of a wooden canopy, boarding platforms adjusted for better accessibility and new emergency exits. Work continues on tiling the platforms and updating signage. “We are really giving a chance to attracting more people who will leave their car and take the train instead,” Guilbault said. Exo says the last renovation of the Lucien-L’Allier station dates back almost 50 years, in preparation for the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.50jili com login 。

Road 2025 to 2032 new year direction concept and sustainable development concept Evening sunset time ... [+] at destination The year ahead looks set to become one of tremendous change. As a consequence of progress in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and space exploration, economies will see constant transformation. These innovations will create significant opportunities and threats. In 2025, we will need to focus on welcoming amazing innovation and progress while keeping these advancements on the rails of ethical implementation and use. Global Economic Shifts The consequences of the growth of automation and trends toward the decarbonization of industries ... [+] will act as catalysts for changes in the distribution of power in the international arena. Advancements in technology will shape economic growth. There will be an apparent dichotomy between countries that participate in the innovative economy and those that lack the ability or infrastructure to do so. The consequences of the growth of automation and trends toward the decarbonization of industries will act as catalysts for changes in the distribution of power in the international arena. Those failing to do so will lag behind, while others, such as the BRICS group, will continue to seek a shift from the U.S. dollar. However, the U.S. economy is expected to grow, decrease inflation, increase employment, and lower interest rates. These changes underscore the need to complement investment in innovation and change or reskill the workforce to compete globally. Stock Market Shifts and AI Dominance Wall Street is expecting a great year. The U.S. equities index is expected to reach at least 6,500 by the close of 2025 , representing a 9% increase in price from its present value and a 10% total return when factoring in dividends. A good deal of these gains will be courtesy of the AI firms. Nvidia will be a valuation leader because of its strategic position in AI ​​hardware; interesting IPOs will be launched — from Stripe to Databricks. Robotics will also experience exponential; for instance, Boston Dynamics will start achieving major milestones after its humanoid robot sent notice to the entire industry in 2024. Even as AI keeps creating value in diverse industries, conventional fields will feel pressure to integrate these technologies into their systems, bringing added volatility to the market. Apple Cancels iPhone 14 And iPhone SE For Millions Of Users Critical Gmail Warning—Don’t Click Yes To These Google Security Alerts The ‘Virus Is Spreading’—Bitcoin Suddenly Braced For A ‘Major’ 2025 Price Move Multimodal AI and AI agents will transform Industries. AI and Robotics Transformation Multimodal AI and AI agents will transform industries. Several recently developed methods for electronically interpreting and producing multiple forms of data (text, images, and audio) will allow sectors, including healthcare, education, and communication services, to innovate their processes significantly. Agentic AI agents will operate as a strategic workforce for complex work, including legal requirements, supply chain efficiency, product development and other fields to improve efficiency and productivity. Robotics will increase across domains. Applying robotics is going mainstream as socionic and anthropomorphic robots like Ameca and Digit go from being novelties to being essential in eldercare, warehousing, and retail. Ordinary multitasking robots will become the backbone of the healthcare and logistics industries. In households, inexpensive robotic appliances will prevail over conventional devices, providing greater protection, linking, and ease of use. In 2025, there will be confusion over what constitutes and does not constitute human effort, leading to profound debate over the topic of work, self, and meaning. Advancements in Space Exploration 2025 will see the dawn of a sustainable economic presence on the moon. In 2025, humanity will continue experiments in deep space exploration and take a baby step toward the commercialization of outer space by forming permanent habitats on the moon through private business ventures and government initiatives. These are the early steps, but they will be the dawn of a sustainable economic presence on the moon. Asteroid mining will be a concept that turns into reality as firms such as AstroForge aim to launch a compact refinery into space, designed to extract minerals from asteroids and transport only the precious metals back to Earth. Improvements in technology will keep making space tourism easier, allowing the ultra-elite to go to space. Fueling this is the advancement of rocket reusability by SpaceX and Blue Origin, alongside the increasing interest of nations in attaining space assets for reasons of security and economic gain. Such advancements are likely to yield trillion-dollar industries . There is a massive shortage of new governance for the celestial region and conflict resolution. 2025 will mark the key year when humanity will experience the change of its goals and dream to start a new life on a new planet and move from being an earth-bound species to a multi-planetary species. Biotechnology Revolution In 2025, personalized medicine will be the norm for patient care due to innovations in AI for ... [+] chronic disease treatment. In 2025, personalized medicine will be the norm for patient care due to innovations in AI for chronic disease treatment. Anti-aging therapies that operate at the level of cells and genes will advance, and these technologies will become everyday practices. Significant funding for gene-editing tools such as CRISPR and the use of AI in new medicine development and clinical research are driving these advancements. These technologies are key to incremental advancement in medical treatments and techniques that will change the way healthcare is delivered and, especially, the intent of treatment—moving from alleviating the discomfort of sicknesses to eradicating sick states at their root. Ethical concerns around genetic engineering must be addressed. These biotechnological advances will revolutionize healthcare and may drive us to rethink what being healthy, growing old, and being human means. Automotive and Transportation Transformation The EV transition will start to upend the world’s oil consumption and needs, forcing the automotive ... [+] and oil industries to embrace green energy and other energy efficiencies. While Gartner forecasts that 85 million EVs will be on our roads by the end of 2025, I predict that 1 in 4 cars sold will be electric. Self-driving vehicle fleets will begin appearing in large cities. The EV transition will start to upend the world’s oil consumption and needs, forcing the automotive and oil industries to embrace green energy and other energy efficiencies. Cybersecurity Spending Will Top $300 Billion We will see a rise in AI-driven cyber threats targeting critical technology infrastructure. ... [+] AI-powered defense systems will be the key to combating and preventing these threats. The enterprise level's focus on cybersecurity will increase for any business reliant on technology. We will see a rise in AI-driven cyber threats targeting critical technology infrastructure. AI-powered defense systems will be the key to combating and preventing these threats. Spending on cyber security will top $300 billion . This focus can’t be on just one country; governments must collaborate for the planet's greater good. Toward AGI and Superintelligence Conceptual illustration of the advancement of AI, showing humanity creating general AI, which in ... [+] turn creates super AI. General AI, also known as strong AI, refers to AI that is designed to perform any intellectual task that a human can do. Super AI refers to AI that is capable of surpassing human intelligence in all areas. Super AI would be capable of solving complex problems that are beyond human capabilities and would be able to learn and adapt at a rate that far exceeds human intelligence. These are both hypothetical forms of AI that are not yet possible to achieve. 2025 could be the year when we finally have machines capable of thinking like humans. This will, in turn, force us all to rethink what it is to be a creator of intelligent “life.” New problems will appear with the creation of AGI systems capable of solving multi-disciplinary problems. We will also need to create solutions for the coming concerns around safety in superintelligence, the ability to control and contain it, and how many and how intelligent an AI agent we should be allowed to develop. Neural architectures and quantum computing will be the drivers behind this innovation. This will lead to conversations of international regulation so that AGI will be oriented to fit society’s ethical benchmarks and welfare. Legal precedents set in 2025 shape the Future of AI Ethical AI , in terms of its use and accessibility, will stay at the forefront as interest and deployment continue to spread. Generative AI is increasingly used every day by industries and individuals, creating an increased focus on verifying human identity and identifying and preventing deepfakes. Leaders will increase their emphasis on the ethical use of AI or face internal and public backlash. Companies will ensure their use of AI matches what their workforce feels is fair and ethical. The legal community has never proven itself efficient or ahead of the curve, so we can expect courtroom battles to drag out. However, when settled, they will shape the course of AI’s future, whether for the better or the worse. Economic Disruption through AI Economic disruption caused by AI will only increase. From a people perspective, some middle managers, especially in large companies, will be made irrelevant by the adoption of new technologies. Due to the democratization of AI, it will be easier for small businesses to rival large-scale business organizations. Yes, these enhancements offer a lot of bang for the buck when it comes to enabling strategic change and gains, but they will also cause issues like displacing employees who must be re-skilled. The shift will require business as we know it to rethink the basic paradigms of business agility, with an emphasis on technology. AI Data Centers: The Backbone of AI Compute ASHBURN, VIRGINIA - JULY 17: In an aerial view, the IAD71 Amazon Web Services data center is shown ... [+] on July 17, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. Northern Virginia is the largest data center market in the world, according to a report this year cited in published accounts, but is facing headwinds from availability of land and electric power. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images) As I wrote this past October, AI data centers are now the backbone of our compute-driven future. Massive investment will be made in hyper-efficient and liquid-cooled structures. This change will aid several industries, especially the healthcare and automotive industries. Governments will support changes in legislation that encourage investments in sustainable data center designs, opening many opportunities for green tech market players. To keep up with the demand AI will place on these centers, the focus will be sustainable and energy-efficient design. Many organizations may not consider this important now, which could set them behind their competition sooner than expected. Venture-Backed Titan Startups Elon Musk addresses participants via videoconference during the eight edition of the Vivatech ... [+] technology startups and innovation fair, at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, on May 23, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images) The existence and diffusion of artificial intelligence in startups will bring a new breed of venture capital to the world, which will be characterized by higher and unparalleled efficiency and scalability. While powered by automation and other aspects of lean entrepreneurship, these new forms will disrupt traditional corporations, many of which will have a $100M ARR with fewer than 30 employees. Decentralized systems for secure information exchange will also appear, changing industries' views of data. This wave of innovation will redefine sectors, change competition patterns, and introduce new market players, underlining the transformation of AI-based schemes and initiatives. Final Words On 2025 2025 will be another year of massive change. AI, Robotics, space travel, and healthcare breakthroughs suggest that the possibilities of this new year are limitless. I expect actions and innovations to be carefully planned to extract maximum value. The next 12 months and beyond will allow us to envision a future filled with social progress and technological advancements.Keith Higgins Jr. scores 22 to lead Lehigh to 87-67 victory over Neumann

Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100. Sitting, future and former presidents have weighed in on the extraordinary life of the former president who served in office from 1977-1981. Following his single term in the White House, Carter established the Carter Center, became involved in observing elections in developing countries, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and taught Sunday day school at his local church in Georgia. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, 22 years after leaving office, "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights and to promote economic and social development." Here's what the presidents have had to say following Carter's death. Former presidents react to Jimmy Carter's death George W. Bush In a statement, Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, sent their condolences and prayers to the Carter family. “James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations. Joe Biden In a joint statement, President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, called Carter an "extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian" and a "dear friend." Biden also ordered an official state funeral in Washington, D.C. for Carter. "And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong." Donald Trump In a statement posted to Truth Social, former and President-elect Donald Trump said Carter was part of an "exclusive club" of members who understood the responsibility of the presidency and leading the nation. "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers." Barack Obama Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, released a joint statement on Carter's death, noting his accomplishments in and out of office and his devotion to Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where Carter taught Sunday school. "Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn’t just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. In his Nobel acceptance speech, President Carter said, “God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace.” He made that choice again and again over the course of his 100 years, and the world is better for it. Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away – buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man."

Where to Watch Titans vs. Texans on TV or Streaming Live – Nov. 24

Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolvedA new system to clamp down on time-wasting by goalkeepers is under consideration by football lawmakers. In a proposed change, which has already been tested in Premier League 2, goalkeepers would not be allowed to hold the ball for longer than eight seconds and if they did, a corner would be awarded to the opposition . Currently, a goalkeeper controlling the ball with their hand(s) for more than six seconds is punished by an indirect free kick being awarded. However, according to the International Football Association Board this is 'rarely enforced by referees' due to the difficulty in managing an indirect free-kick or it seeming too great an advantage. After succeess in current trials - in Malta goalkeepers have held the ball on 796 occasions and never exceeded eight seconds - the rule change is set to be expanded. Now Italy's under-20 league will see a similar implementation but with a throw-in awarded instead of a corner. Should the trial there also prove successful, changes could be made at higher levels of the game. Currently, the trial is available only in competitions that do not include teams from the top two domestic levels or senior ‘A’ international teams. "The data that’s coming out of it so far is very, very interesting, in that the two trials so far have been that if the goalkeeper is holding on to the ball too long, the referee will award a corner," said Patrick Nelson, the Irish FA’s chief executive and a board member of IFAB, reported by the Times. “The instances of corners being awarded are almost non-existent, which would indicate to us, certainly looking at the data, that the deterrent is exactly what we would want it to be at this point, and it’s speeding up the goalkeepers letting go of the ball and bringing it back into play. "The wrath of any coach for any goalkeeper who’s given away a corner or a throw-in that leads to a goal is always certainly going to mean the goalkeeper is not going to do that twice. It’s going to change goalkeeper behaviour." Updates have also been made to IFAB on the trial of only a captain being allowed to intereact with the referee in specific situation. Guidelines are in place for competitions not participating. The guidelines include: "To prevent players mobbing or surrounding the referee in major situations and following keyincidents or decisions: Only one player from each team – usually the captain – is allowed to approach the referee and,when doing so, they must always interact in a respectful manner; the referee may instruct/encourage players (verbally or with gestures) not to approach them; the team captains are responsible for helping to direct their team-mates away from the referee; players who approach/surround the referee when they are not permitted to do so may becautioned (yellow card); if appropriate, the referee may delay the restart of play to allow the captain(s) time to speak withtheir team-mates to explain a decision, demand proper behaviour. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

I’m A Celeb fans left sobbing as Danny Jones says Barry McGuigan has replaced his dad who no longer speaks to himAsia’s gasoline margins climbed above $10 on Thursday, as overall demand continued to rise on the back of a seasonal jump. The crack jumped to $10.21 per barrel over Brent crude, from $9.09 on Wednesday. In naphtha, the margins climbed by $2.65 to $82.83 per metric ton over Brent crude. The backwardation between second-half January and second-half February narrowed to $1.75. Oil prices were mostly stable ahead of an OPEC+ meeting later in the day, with investors waiting to see what the producer group would do next on supply cuts while also monitoring geopolitical tension in the Middle East. The oilfield service sector is poised for more consolidation in 2025, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Oil and Gas Industry Outlook, with President-elect Donald Trump expected loosen regulations on the U.S. oil and gas industry. Singapore’s light distillate stocks rose by 691,000 barrels to a two-week high of 14.035 million barrels in the week ending Dec. 4, data from Enterprise SG showed. U.S. gasoline stocks rose by 2.4 million barrels to 214.6 million barrels, and distillate stockpiles USOILD=ECI rose by 3.4 million barrels 118.1 million barrels in the week ending Nov. 29, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. Two gasoline deal and no naphtha trade. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Haridas; Editing by Varun H K)

Coi Leray Gushes Over Trippie Redd’s Gifted New Range Rover

Taoiseach Simon Harris has confirmed he has spoken to the Dublin woman who won a civil case against mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor to praise her courage. Mr Harris said he also wanted to tell Nikita Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh, that her case had prompted an increase in women coming forward to ask for support. Ms Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was €248,603.60. Mr McGregor said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr Harris said he told Ms Hand of the support she has from people across Ireland. "I spoke with Nikita today and I wanted to thank her for her incredible bravery and her courage," he said. "I wanted to make sure that she knew how much solidarity and support there was across this country for her bravery. "I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday - that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita's bravery." Earlier Justice Minister Helen McEntee also commended Nikita for her “bravery and determination” after winning a civil case against Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor. Mr McGregor said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal the decision. That post has since been deleted. Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. “I just want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her determination and the leadership that she has shown in what has been – I’ve no doubt – a very, very difficult time for her and indeed, for her family. She added: “Because of wonderful people like Nikita, I hope that it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that there are supports available to people, and that there is justice at the end of the day.” Ms Hand said in a statement outside court on Friday that she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”. Describing the past six years as “a nightmare”, she said: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. In a letter to her in August 2020, the DPP said there was “insufficient evidence” and there was not a reasonable prospect of conviction. Ms Hand asked the DPP to review the decision, saying she felt she was being treated differently because one of the suspects was famous. Asked about the DPP’s decision not to prosecute, Ms McEntee said: “We have a very independent system in this country, and I think that’s right. “Our DPP, she’s independent in the decisions that are taken, and for good reasons that there should never be any political interference in that process. “There is always an option for an individual to ask for reasons to be outlined as to why the DPP made a particular decision, and that is open to any individual or any case, but I have, since becoming minister, given priority to and enabled a new office within the DPP to open specifically focused on sexual offences, so that this issue can be given the focus and the priority that it needs. “But... it is independent, and I really think it’s important that we respect that independence.” Also speaking about the case, Mr Martin commended Ms Hand for her “extraordinary courage and bravery”, while stressing the importance of instilling core values in young people “and young men in particular.” “Consent and respect are very very basic values that must be there from the very beginning in life and through the SPHE programme through relationships and sexualities programmes in schools this has to be consistently worked on. “Consent its critical here and for Nikita Hand to do what she did I think is quiet extraordinary.” He said: “It was a harrowing case and I think the people across the country were shocked by it and very very upset. I think the entire country are rooting for Nikita Hand this morning.” Asked if he was critical of the DPP, Mr Martin said: “I don’t have the full background that the DPP had in respect of this but the bottom line is: there is a higher degree of challenge in a criminal court than there is in a civil case.” He added that “there are issues that we will evaluate coming out of this.” Mr Martin also stressed the need to ensure the Irish justice system is much more “victim-centric than it currently is or indeed has been in the past.”Taylor Swift reportedly “feels horrible” for her close friend Blake Lively after the actress filed a legal complaint last week accusing her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Sources tell The Daily Mail that the “Shake it Off” singer was “startled” by the revelations contained in Lively’s lawsuit. “Taylor is startled by the revelations surrounding the Blake Lively takedown and she is encouraging Blake to get to the bottom of it,” the source said. “She supports Blake and feels horrible that she had to go through all of this.” Lively and Swift have been close friends for years, and the pop star is even the godmother to her three daughters James, Inez, and Betty. Lively’s children, whom she welcomed with husband Ryan Reynolds , are also named in one of Swift’s tracks “Betty” off her 2020 album Folklore . In her complaint, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and his public relations team for engineering a smear campaign against her over the summer. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, called the claims “outrageous” and told the Associated Press in a statement, “These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media.” Universal Pictures put the speculation to rest on Monday, announcing that director Christopher Nolan’s next film will be The Odyssey , based on Homer’s epic poem and a central story of Greek mythology. “Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” the studio posted on X. “The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.” No specific casting has been announced, but the film is expected to star real-life couple and former Spider-Man co-stars Tom Holland and Zendaya along with Matt Damon ( Oppenheimer ), Anne Hathaway ( Interstellar ), Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron. As recently as last week, Holland was being coy about the details of the film, saying in a podcast interview , “To be perfectly honest, I don’t really know what it’s about. I’m super excited, but it’s been pretty quiet about the project. I met with [Nolan] and it was awesome. He kind of loosely pitched what it is, and I’m sure when he’s ready he’ll announce what it’s about.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Martin Scorsese. Bill and Hillary. Martha Steward. These are just some of the people we are unlikely to meet in person, but at least we can get up close and personal with them by taking their MasterClass online courses —and at a major discount for a limited time. The expert-led platform has a robust library of educational classes on far-ranging topics: science , music, arts , personal empowerment, and more. The classes are taught by industry experts and household names, including Gordon Ramsey, Mariah Carey, David Lynch, Jeff Koons, and many more. Right now, you can score up to 50 percent off on MasterClass subscriptions just in time for last-minute holiday gifting. You do have to take a short quiz to get to the deal, but honestly, it’s worth the 60 seconds. Honestly, whether you waited until the last minute or not, you’ll be gifting the dad in your life with intelligent, cultured content and giving them the opportunity to learn something new from someone famous. A U.S. Navy fighter jet was shot down over the Red Sea on Saturday in an apparent friendly fire incident, authorities have said. Two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely after it was “mistakenly fired” upon by the USS Gettysburg in a non-specified location, U.S. Central Command said in a statement. One of the pilots sustained minor injuries and authorities said a full investigation is underway. The F/A-18, was operating from the USS Harry S. Truman, when the guided-missile cruiser—part of the Truman carrier strike group—fired during a refueling operation. The incident happened a day after U.S. forces hit Houthi structural targets in Yemen. The rebel group appeared to try and take credit for the incident Sunday, but it has a reputation for false claims. The U.S. has a presence in the area due to the Iran-backed Houthi campaign of targeting ships in the busy waterway. Kieran Culkin made his film debut at age 8 opposite his real-life brother Macaulay Culkin in the holiday classic Home Alone . Before that, his child acting career got off to an unfortunate start, he revealed in a new episode of the Smartless podcast , when he was cast as a learning disabled kid in a commercial at 6-years-old. “The concept was I’m standing in front of a chalkboard with chalk in my hand and I don’t know how to solve the easy thing in front of me,” Culkin recalled. “And the kids in the class are supposed to be calling me a dummy and stupid, all that.” But when the director, who he declined to name, called action, he started shouting at the young Culkin, “‘Dummy. Idiot. Stupid.’” The unusual approach led the actor to think to himself, “I get it. I’m 6. Stand here and look sad. I’m not f---ing method. I’m 6. What’s wrong with you?” As a child, Culkin went on to star in films like Only the Lonely and Father of the Bride. More recently, he won an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Roman Roy on HBO’s Succession and is a frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the upcoming Academy Awards for his role in the film A Real Pain . Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Every winter, my skin gets chapped, irritated, and downright pissed at me, thanks to the shorter days, colder temperatures, layers of clothes, heaters on full-blast everywhere, and lack of moisture in the air. Usually, I don’t feel the need to reach for a designated ‘night cream’ since the regular moisturizer that I use during the day works just fine, but during the past few weeks, my skin has been screaming for a little extra TLC and hydration. When it comes to any category of skincare , I always look for clinically-proven and medical-grade formulas, if possible, including the most basic creams and moisturizers. While there are a few Korean beauty (K-beauty to the initiated) products I’ve loved for years, the holy grail snail mucin serum I once used religiously has disappeared from my daily routine, as has my former collection of sheet and lip masks. On my quest for a thirst-quenching night cream with added anti-aging benefits, I discovered the luxury medical-grade skincare line, Dr. Rossi DERM MD . The brand’s formulas borrow wisdom from Korean skincare traditions and each of the formulas is powered by Dr. Rossi’s proprietary Bio-Theriac Complex , combining biomimetic sea anemone peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid in an optimized ratio to combat premature aging caused by skin sensitization. Its bestselling, skin-repairing Night Synthesis Cream sounded like exactly what my skin needed (it also doesn’t hurt that the enviably ageless Martha Stewart is reportedly a fan of the concentrated cream.) Without being overly heavy or greasy—two skincare formula characteristics that are absolute dealbreakers as far as I’m concerned—the night cream is still rich, emollient, and brimming with science-backed ingredients that not only keep their complexion-enhancing properties but also rejuvenate lackluster skin fast. When I say this cream is dense, I’m really not joking—when you turn the jar upside down, the formula stays put like a Dairy Queen Blizzard turned upside down. Despite its density and viscosity, I’ve been wearing it under makeup during the day, and the formula absorbs quickly enough that there’s no oil slick of residue lingering, which is another requirement of mine. Within just a week of using the cream , the dehydration-induced fine lines around my crow’s feet and under my eyes have diminished significantly. My skin appears firmer, brighter, and more luminous upon waking. Plus, the broken capillaries, redness, and skin peeling (also likely due to my retinoid use) have almost vanished despite the arid climate and rampant seasonal cedar allergies. Coming in at just under $200, this luxury night cream is definitely an investment but one that is well worth it if your skin, like mine, is crying out for reprieve from these drier winter months. Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos visited Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last week, according to reports, just the latest in a procession of business elites suddenly seeking face-time with the president-elect. The 60-year-old has previously donated to Democrats including President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to Reuters . Sarandos is also married to Nicole Avant, who was Obama’s United States Ambassador to the Bahamas between 2009 and 2011. A dizzying array of high-powered business moguls have tried to curry favor with Trump since his election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Last week, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos joined Trump for a dinner at Mar-a-Lago that was also attended by Trump’s outspoken cheerleader and Twitter owner, Elon Musk . Fellow social media mogul Mark Zuckerberg also paid a visit to the president-elect’s Palm Beach club last month, while Apple CEO Tim Cook made his visit earlier in December. Zuckerberg’s Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund after his house call, a move that Amazon is also reportedly considering . Trump seems to be thrilled with his newfound popularity, posting last week: “EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND.” Michael Schumacher, the famed F1 star, is going to be a granddad. The news comes after his daughter, 27-year-old Gina, announced her pregnancy. The sports icon’s daughter was just married three months ago, with her dad speculated to have attended the wedding. Gina made an Instagram post, featuring a photo of pink western items, including a pony, with the caption: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.” She tagged her newly-wedded husband, Iain. Schumacher, 55, has not been seen publicly since a skiing accident in 2013, where he sustained a severe head injury. Known to keep his life private, no mobile phones were allowed at the wedding. Jean Todt, a friend of Schumacher, said in the past that he “is no longer the Michael we knew,” according to The Sun . Beside Gina, Schumacher has a son named Mick, who also races. He commented on his sister’s announcement post, writing: “So excited.” Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Nissan have announced a merger, leaving drivers wondering what the phoenix brand will be called. Japan’s second and third biggest automakers, behind Toyota, are pairing up to fight back against the rising threat of Chinese dominance in the electric vehicle market. The two companies signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding in March, committing to collaboration on EVs, and on Monday confirmed the plans to fully merge—alongside Nissan-controlled Mitsubishi. But after the press conference in Tokyo, attention shifted to what the overall holding company might be called when the merger is finished, perhaps as early as late January. “Nissonda or Hondissan?” one X user asked , while another added : “Can’t wait to drive a Nishonda.” One person took a different view, saying : “Hondissan this, Nissonda that. No. Nonda. Or, the objectively more evil Nisson.” A Cathay Pacific flight destined for Boston diverted to Japan because of an unruly passenger who allegedly assaulted people during a midair meltdown. Passengers endured a 15-hour delay and a forced stopover at Tokyo Haneda after flight CX812, which originated in Hong Kong , descended into chaos. The disruptive individual was banned from future flights with the airline, Hong Kong’s flag carrier. Reports suggest the person, who was arrested upon touchdown, assaulted others onboard. Passengers initially departed Hong Kong International Airport 7:40 p.m. local time on Saturday, but after the incident, the were loaded onto a new plane, which departed at 10:45 a.m. and reached Boston at 12:26 p.m. Eastern Time Sunday. They were compensated with meal vouchers and lounge access, while the airline also apologized. Hong Kong’s Aviation Security Ordinance has strict penalties for unruly behavior, including fines of up to around $6,500 and imprisonment for up to five years. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. As any true audiophile already knows, Amazon Music Unlimited has long been a reliable destination for an elevated listening experience. With millions of high-quality songs and an unparalleled collection of top ad-free podcasts, the platform’s catalog is curated to capture both your attention and your imagination. Now, Amazon is raising the bar with an exciting update: Audible is officially joining Amazon Music Unlimited, cementing the brand’s status as an all-in-one audio hub . Audible’s industry-leading catalog of audiobooks features an expansive selection of can’t-miss bestsellers, hot-off-the-press exclusives, and timeless classics to immerse yourself in. As an Amazon Music Unlimited subscriber, you’ll be free to select one book each month (of any length) and listen to it directly in the Amazon Music app . Whether you’re a fiction buff ready to dive into a thrilling new adventure or a non-fiction enthusiast looking to expand your horizons, Audible’s expansive collection is sure to have the right title that matches your tastes. Plus, when you’re ready to take a break from the book, you can seamlessly swap back to your favorite tunes and podcast episodes —all without having to leave the app. It’s all the audio that you’ll ever need, all in one place! Best of all, this game-changing update is arriving just in time for the holiday season: start a new subscription , and enjoy your first three months of Amazon Music Unlimited, completely for free. Audio art, conversation, and storytelling—all in one place. What’s not to love? Sign up today and get lost in the sound . The governor of Nebraska, Jim Pillen , is facing Christmas in hospital after he was bucked off a horse. The Republican state leader, who turns 69 next week, was out riding with family members when the horse, which was described as new, sent him flying. His office said he “is alert and is in continuous touch with his team,” after the incident Sunday. However, it added that he was expected to remain in hospital “for several days.” This means Pillen could spend Christmas Day in the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where he was transported “out of an abundance of caution” after initial treatment at Columbus Community Hospital, according to his office. “Gov. Pillen and his family are very appreciative of the thoughts and prayers given to them by Nebraskans and they wish all Nebraskans a very merry Christmas,” his office added in the statement. More than 170 skiers and snowboarders experienced the stuff of nightmares over the weekend when they were left stranded for several hours on a ski lift whose structure had cracked, the Colorado Sun reported. A gondola lift at Winter Park Resort—located about 70 miles west of Denver , Colorado —was halted on Saturday just after noon after technicians discovered the crack. Over the course of about five hours, ski patrollers climbed into each gondola and lowered the riders’ equipment to the ground. They then used swinging ropes with seats attached to them to lower the 174 riders. No injuries were reported during the evacuation, which wrapped up around 6 p.m. Videos posted to social media showed the surreal rescues, which apparently used a belay system similar to the kind used in rock climbing. Officials were still investigating on Sunday to try to determine what had caused the structure to crack. The ski lift’s system detected the malfunction and automatically stopped, according to the resort. In the meantime, the resort’s other 21 lifts remained open. COLORADO: A cracked ski lift at Colorado's Winter Park Resort left 174 skiers stranded. Riders were lowered by ropes over 5 hours after the lift auto-stopped. The cause is under investigation. pic.twitter.com/QY1knqxwm5

Matteo Berrettini is carrying the Italian flag high in the sport as he aims to come back strongly from injuries. Berrettini is popular in his country for not just his professional exploits, but also his colorful personal life. He is apparently in a relationship again after breaking up with Melissa Satta, a TV presenter and model. The 28-year-old Berrettini is currently dating Federica Lelli, who is 2 years younger than him, as per a Il Messagero report. Lelli is more famously known in Italy to be the ex-girlfriend of singer Ultimo. However, she has a strong identity of her own with 156,000 followers on Instagram alone. Lelli is an influencer and model who resides in Rome. It is believed that she first met Berrettini at a social event in France where she studied political science and international relations in a reputed university. Berrettini resides and trains in Monte Carlo but is shuttling between the French city and Rome, since he is allegedly in a live-in relationship with Lelli. The Italian paparazzi snapped Berrettini and Lelli walking on the streets of Rome hand in hand, looking extremely happy with each other. While the couple hasn’t put up any pictures and videos together on social media, their privacy can be understood. Berrettini has had a difficult last 3 years in his personal and professional lives both, more so after making the finals of the Wimbledon 2021 competition. Berrettini’s last two relationships before Lelli Before Lelli, Berrettini seemed to be going strong with Satta. In an interview with The Sun , he called the relationship an ‘intense one’ while explaining why he broke up with her in February 2024. It seems that Berrettini is prioritizing his tennis career more and Satta was a distraction for him, despite the fact that she showed her support by turning up for some of his matches. On the other hand, Satta has quite a history with dating other sportspersons. Infamously, she was said to be responsible for the late Kobe Bryant cheating on his wife Vanessa, which nearly made her file for divorce. So lack of trust in the relationship could have made Berrettini break up with her. Before Satta, Berrettini was in another highly-publicised relationship with a WTA player from Australia, Ajla Tomljanovic. They were together for 3 years and shot together for the Netflix docuseries, Break Point. But Berrettini was unhappy with the way their relationship was portrayed as he was accused of throwing out Ajla from his room once as well. Eventually, both the players were dissatisfied with each other because of having separate lives and finding it difficult to spend time with each other. While Berrettini has had it difficult in love matters, he and his fans too would hope that Lelli is the right match for him.How Is The Market Feeling About e.l.f. Beauty?49.jili 。

On Saturday, the unranked Florida Gators upset the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels 24-17 in Gainesville. After the win, Florida poked fun at the Rebels. OIe Miss was a 13.5-point favorite heading into the game, per . Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.16 Madewell Black Friday Deals 2024 That I'm ShoppingThe Steelers meet the Browns on Thursday Night Football, and you can use our FanDuel promo to score $150 in bonus bets just by winning a $5 wager on tonight's game. You'll also get 3 free months of NBA League Pass as a new customer at FanDuel. We also provide TNF odds, betting analysis and expert picks from TSN's Sloan Piva and Tony Mejia for Steelers vs. Browns below. Use our FanDuel promo link now to "Bet $5, Win $150" in bonus bets from one of the best NFL betting sites . Bet TNF at FanDuel : Bet $5 to win $150 in bonus bets How do I get my free $150 on FanDuel? The offer isn't exactly free, but FanDuel gives you a great chance to bag $150 in bonus bets. While you need to sign up for a new account and deposit at least $5 to be eligible for the bonus, there are no odds restrictions on this promo -- so look for a bet with an extremely high probability of winning. Consider this: Make your first $5 bet on Steelers +22.5 on the alternate spread . At odds of -50000, you have a 99.8% implied probability of collecting $150 in bonus bets from FanDuel! Or, if you'd rather bet the Browns, you can get Cleveland +29.5 with the same offer. Turn your $5 bet into a $150 bonus if the Browns lose by 29 points or fewer or win the game outright. FanDuel promo + Steelers vs. Browns TNF odds Here are live TNF odds at FanDuel . Click on a line you want to bet and visit the sportsbook to claim your FanDuel promo as a new customer. TNF betting analysis & expert picks for Steelers vs. Browns Here are picks on a side and the total from our NFL betting analysts. "On the heels of a physical win over Baltimore, there's concern a Steelers' letdown is coming," Tony Mejia writes."Pittsburgh is on the road in its first short week situation of 2024, lost at Cleveland last year and went 1-1 on short rest in '23, barely defeating the Titans and losing to the Patriots, who went a combined 10-24. "The Steelers fell at the Browns in a Week 3 TNF game in '22, too, so Mike Tomlin has a pretty recent history on his side to help offset complacency as he warns his team against letting it be repeated. That should aid the cause, so lay the short number with the Steelers." Pick: Steelers -3.5 Bet here: Sign up for your new FanDuel account TSN's Sloan Piva is fading conventional thinking when it comes to the total for Steelers vs. Browns. Here's Sloan: "We sniffed out the value of this Thursday Night Football matchup nice and early. At last glance, 62 percent of the early over/under bets for this one have been on the under, so we're going against the grain and betting the over." Piva thinks both teams will contribute offensively with relatively new QBs under center. "In the three games Jameis Winston has started since taking over for injured (and awful) QB Deshaun Watson, Jame-O has thrown six touchdowns," he observes. "The Browns have averaged 17.6 points per game with Winston, and they even got a huge upset win over the Ravens four weeks ago." What about Pittsburgh? "The Steelers have also been a much more dynamic offense since changing quarterbacks," Piva writes. "In four games with Russell Wilson under center, Pittsburgh has averaged 27.3 PPG and, like Cleveland, thrown for six TDs. Don't let the narrative of the short week and the tough defenses get into your head — this one should feature some decent scoring." FanDuel promo for TNF: Bet $5, Win $150 in bonus bets + 3 free months of NBA League Pass Our FanDuel promo link unlocks a tremendous offer for new customers: $150 in bonus bets if you hit your first $5 bet. You'll also get three free months of NBA League Pass. Here's how to claim the promo: Visit FanDuel Sportsbook using this link . Click "join" and select the state you're in. Enter the information requested, including email, a username and password. Deposit $10 or more using a method of your choice, such as online banking, Apple Pay, Venmo or PayPal. Place a bet of $5 or more -- and win that wager! If you win your first bet, FanDuel will credit your account with $150 in bonus bets. You can use that $150 in house money to bet on other NFL games. Just be sure to use your bonus bets within seven days from the time they are received! If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >

Warren Buffett is the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway ( BRK.A 0.99% ) ( BRK.B 0.95% ) , which has delivered an annual return of 19.8% since Buffett took the helm in 1965. That could have turned an investment of $1,000 into more than $42 million. The same investment in the S&P 500 index would have grown to just $308,115 over the same period. Buffett's simple long-term investing strategy is the secret to Berkshire's success. He likes companies with steady growth, reliable profitability, strong management teams, and shareholder-friendly initiatives like dividends and stock buybacks. You will never see him and his team piling money into the latest stock market trends -- even one as powerful as artificial intelligence (AI). However, four stocks in Berkshire's $292 billion portfolio of publicly listed securities are deploying AI into their legacy businesses in unique ways. 1. Domino's Pizza: 0.2% of Berkshire's portfolio Domino's Pizza ( DPZ 1.68% ) is the world's largest pizza chain with over 21,000 stores in 90 countries, which serve more than 1 million customers every day. Berkshire just added this stock to its portfolio in the third quarter of 2024 (ended Sept. 30), which might be a great sign for the pizza giant considering the conglomerate was a net seller of stocks overall . Domino's puts technologies like AI at the center of its operations, because they drive efficiency, which lowers costs and boosts profits. Thanks to the predictive capabilities of AI, it can start making pizzas before a customer even finishes placing an order. That means each pizza is cooked sooner and reaches the customer faster than ever. The company also uses Microsoft 's Azure OpenAI platform for the computing infrastructure and software required to create powerful AI assistants for its website, which can help customers with their orders. Lastly, AI is going to streamline operations in each store by helping managers save time on day-to-day tasks like inventory management and employee scheduling. 2. Amazon: 0.7% of Berkshire's portfolio Amazon ( AMZN -0.64% ) is the world's largest e-commerce company, but most investors are more focused on its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud business, which is trying to dominate the three core layers of AI: Infrastructure : AWS builds data centers fitted with industry-leading AI chips from suppliers like Nvidia and has designed its own chips, called Trainium and Inferentia. With Trainium, developers can save an estimated 50% on AI training costs compared to using other chips, and Amazon says it's producing more of them than it expected because demand is so high. Large language models (LLMs) : Amazon developed its own family of LLMs called Titan, but the AWS Bedrock platform is also home to the world's leading third-party LLMs like Anthropic's Claude 3.5, and Meta Platforms ' Llama 3.2. Developers use these ready-made LLMs to accelerate the build-out of their AI chatbots and software applications. Software : AWS developed an AI virtual assistant called Q to answer questions about an organization's internal data, and it can be prompted to instantly generate computer code. Amazon says Q is the most powerful assistant in the world for software developers. During the recent third quarter of 2024, Amazon said AI revenue within AWS grew by a triple-digit percentage compared to a year ago, and it's growing more than three times faster than the cloud division did at the same stage of its evolution. Berkshire invested in Amazon stock in 2019, and Buffett has expressed regret for not identifying the opportunity sooner. Even though it represents only 0.7% of the conglomerate's portfolio, it could still deliver spectacular returns over the long run thanks to AI. 3. Coca-Cola: 8.4% of Berkshire's portfolio Berkshire acquired 400 million shares in Coca-Cola ( KO 0.25% ) between 1988 and 1994 at a cost of $1.3 billion. It still holds all of them, and they are now worth $24.7 billion! AI certainly wasn't on Buffett's mind when he decided to invest in the soda giant back then, but it's playing an increasingly important role in the business today. Last year, Coca-Cola appointed a chief of generative AI. So far, the company has used the technology to create marketing campaigns and make a promotional version of its flagship soda called Coca-Cola Y3000. It captures what the drink might taste like in the year 3000 by using AI to analyze high volumes of customer data. Back in April, Coca-Cola also struck a five-year $1.1 billion deal with Microsoft Azure to improve its supply chains, marketing, and productivity. 4. Apple: 23.1% of Berkshire's portfolio Apple ( AAPL 0.59% ) is Berkshire's largest holding. The stock used to account for almost 50% of the conglomerate's entire portfolio, but Buffett sold more than half of his position during the first three quarters of 2024. We don't exactly know why, but Buffett has mentioned at least part of the reason for selling was that he thinks the capital gains tax could rise in the future, so it's beneficial to take profits now. The timing is certainly interesting. On the one hand, the S&P 500 is expensive right now with a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 25.6, which is a 41% premium to its long-term average of 18.1. On the other hand, Apple is on the cusp of realizing an enormous opportunity within the AI space, which could fuel a significant device upgrade cycle over the next few years. The company recently started rolling out its Apple Intelligence software in the latest versions of its iPhone, iPad, and Mac computer lineup. It was developed in partnership with OpenAI. It allows users to summarize messages and emails with a single tap, and it can generate text and images. Plus, Apple's Siri voice assistant will now draw on the knowledge of OpenAI 's ChatGPT, which will make it more powerful than ever. Although Berkshire has been a heavy seller of Apple stock lately, Buffett expects it to remain the conglomerate's largest holding for now. Therefore, the investing legend is still likely to do very well if Apple's AI efforts pay off.

Wisconsin at Nebraska: How we see the game playing out, and over/under picksArsenal defender Gabriel kept Viktor Gyokeres quiet — then had the audacity to steal the in-demand Sporting Lisbon striker's trademark goal celebration. After heading in Arsenal's third first-half goal in the Champions League on Tuesday, Gabriel linked the fingers of his hands and placed them over his eyes, before laughing with his teammates. It was most likely a dig at Gyokeres, the Sweden striker who has quickly become one of European soccer's hottest properties . Because that is how Gyokeres celebrates his goals. “It's fun that he likes my celebration,” Gyokeres told Viaplay after the match. “He can steal it if he cannot come up with his own.” Gyokeres has scored 24 goals for Sporting in all competitions and was coming off netting four for Sweden in a Nations League match against Azerbaijan. Earlier in the first half, Gabriel had enjoyed tackling and dispossessing Gyokeres near the Arsenal area — waving both his arms in a gesture to the crowd. Gabriel's goal made it 3-0 to Arsenal at halftime and the English team went on to win 5-1, with Gyokeres failing to score. He did hit the post with a shot late in the game, however — after Gabriel had gone off with an injury. “Today he wasn't that dangerous,” Arsenal striker Kai Havertz said of Gyokeres, “but I think it's because we defended very well.” AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerSAN JOSE, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced that Nimrod Ben-Natan , President and CEO of Harmonic, and Walter Jankovic , Harmonic's Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the Raymond James 2024 TMT and Consumer Conference in New York City , on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 8:20 a.m. PT / 11:20 a.m. ET and host investor meetings throughout the day. Mr. Jankovic will also host investor meetings at the Barclays 2024 Global Technology Conference in San Francisco , on Thursday, December 12, 2024 . A live audio webcast of the fireside chat will be available on Harmonic's website at investor.harmonicinc.com . An archived webcast will remain posted on the Company's investor relations website for 30 days. Further information about Harmonic and the company's solutions is available at https://www.harmonicinc.com/ . About Harmonic Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in virtualized broadband and video delivery solutions, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality video streaming and broadcast services to consumers globally. The company revolutionized broadband networking via the industry's first virtualized broadband solution, enabling operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet service to consumers' homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software platforms, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet cable services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and on-demand content on every screen. More information is available at https://www.harmonicinc.com/ . Harmonic, the Harmonic logo and other Harmonic marks are owned by Harmonic Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harmonic-to-participate-in-upcoming-december-2024-investor-conferences-302316838.html SOURCE Harmonic Inc.

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — Quinton Cooley rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns, Billy Lucas added 131 yards and a score, and Liberty gained 419 on the ground with four touchdowns in a 38-21 victory over Western Kentucky on Saturday. Liberty (8-2, 5-2 Conference USA) has won eight-plus games for the sixth consecutive season to keep alive hopes of a second straight trip to the conference championship game. The Flames play Sam Houston (8-3, 5-2) on Friday.Manufacturer marks Official Supplier status with 5 millionth tankless water heater donation and 50-year anniversary milestone PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rinnai America Corporation — manufacturer of a leading brand of tankless gas water heaters in North America — is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. The new agreement makes Rinnai the Official Supplier of water heaters for new homes across the country through 2027. This exclusive collaboration strengthens both organizations' shared commitment to providing Veterans and their families with the resources they need to rebuild their lives after service. Also celebrating 50 years in North America , Rinnai marked the occasion by donating the 5 millionth tankless water heater manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Griffin, Georgia for a new home under construction in Texas . "Celebrating 50 years and reaching 5 million tankless water heaters sold in the North American market are significant milestones for us but knowing that our donation is helping a Veteran and their family start a new chapter in life is incredibly meaningful," said Frank Windsor , President, Rinnai America Corporation. "We are honored to help restore some of the freedom and independence to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much defending our country. Our continued partnership with Homes For Our Troops is a powerful way for us to give back and deliver our brand promise of 'Creating a healthier way of living'." Since its inception in 2004, HFOT has built over 400 homes. Each specially adapted energy efficient home is designed to comfortably raise a family while limiting future expenses. Equipped with Rinnai's durable and highly energy efficient products, the homes constructed as part of this partnership will help reduce the families' long-term utility costs and serve as a safe and welcoming place to call home for years to come. "We are incredibly proud to extend our partnership with Rinnai. The company's passion for assisting Veterans and their families significantly helps us advance our mission of Building Homes and Rebuilding Lives for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans," said HFOT President/CEO, Brig. Gen., USA (Ret) Tom Landwermeyer . "These Veterans face enormous challenges, and through this partnership, we are also providing the comfort and convenience of a high-quality water heater to help create a home that promotes healing and independence." Army SGT Christopher Leverkuhn will receive the 5 millionth product, a SENSEI ® RX Series, for his home currently under construction in Kerrville, Texas . The most advanced condensing tankless water heater on the market, it sets the standard for efficiency at 0.98 UEF and creates a healthier way of living by delivering the ultimate in comfort, smart design and unlimited hot water. Over the next three years, Rinnai will donate appropriate products with features ideal for the hot water demands of each Veterans' home. Many will receive Rinnai's newest condensing tankless water heater, the SENSEI RXP. This product comes equipped with a built-in recirculation pump to deliver faster hot water to the faucet. Rinnai will also provide its RWM200 WiFi module, which can be used with the Rinnai Central TM app to control temperature and recirculation patterns. Veterans may also receive Rinnai's new electric heat pump water heater , one of the most sustainable electric water heating solutions available, meeting highest efficiency standards while reducing energy usage and costs. The agreement highlights the growing commitment of the sustainable manufacturer's corporate responsibility and charitable giving in addressing the needs of Veterans and their families. In addition to HFOT, Rinnai partners with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. These organizations prove that partnerships can lead to lasting change and help those who have given so much for their country. About Homes For Our Troops: Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the veteran chooses to live and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. www.hfotusa.org . About Rinnai: Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan , was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia . Rinnai Corporation manufactures gas appliances, including tankless water heaters, a wide range of kitchen appliances, and heating and air conditioning units. As the technology leader in its industry, Rinnai is the largest gas appliance manufacturer in Japan and is the No. 1 selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in the United States and Canada . Annual corporate revenues, including those of its subsidiaries, are in excess of $3.3 billion . With a global perspective to create 21st-century products for the home and business, Rinnai Corporation commits itself to safety and Creating a healthier way of living ® . For more information about Rinnai's entire product line, visit www.rinnai.us . Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Rinnai ® and Creating a healthier way of living ® are the registered trademarks of Rinnai Corporation used under license by Rinnai America Corporation. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rinnai-america-joins-forces-with-homes-for-our-troops-to-aid-injured-veterans-302336611.html SOURCE Rinnai America CorporationApple urged to remove new AI feature after falsely summarizing news reports | CNN Business

ByteDance-owned TikTok has sought input on US matters from Elon Musk , a close adviser to President-elect Donald Trump , the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday citing people familiar with the matter. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Poll Results Highlights 2024 Jharkhand Poll Results Highlights 2024

This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read Nature’s Miracle’s 8K filing here . About Nature’s Miracle ( Get Free Report ) Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc, an agriculture technology company, provides lighting and grow media products to growers in the controlled environment agriculture industry in the United States and Canada. The company offers LED fixtures; high pressure sodium and ceramic metal halide fixtures; and electronic ballasts and control boxes. Featured ArticlesCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government on Monday survived a third vote of no confidence in as many months, brought by his main Tory rival. The minority Liberal government got the support of the New Democratic Party (NDP), a small leftist faction once aligned with the ruling Liberals, to defeat the motion 180-152. The text of the proposition echoed NDP leader Jagmeet Singh's own past criticisms of Trudeau since breaking off their partnership in late August, calling him "too weak, too selfish." Neither Singh nor Trudeau were present for the vote. The House of Commons has been deadlocked most of this fall session by an unprecedented two-month filibuster by the Conservatives. But Speaker Greg Fergus, in a rare move, ordered a short break in the deadlock to allow for this and other possible confidence votes, and for lawmakers to vote on a key spending measure. MPs are scheduled to vote Tuesday on the spending package, which includes funds for social services, disaster relief and support for Ukraine. With a 20-point lead in polls, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has been itching for an election call since the NDP tore up its coalition agreement with the Liberals. But the NDP and other opposition parties, whose support is needed to bring down the Liberals, have so far refused to side with the Conservatives. Two no-confidence votes brought by the Tories in September and October failed when the NDP and the separatist Bloc Quebecois backed the Liberals. In Canada's Westminster parliamentary system, a ruling party must hold the confidence of the House of Commons, which means maintaining support from a majority of members. The Liberals currently have 153 seats, versus 119 for the Conservatives, 33 for the Bloc Quebecois, and the NDP's 25. Trudeau swept to power in 2015 and has managed to hold on through two elections in 2019 and 2021. amc/bs/bjtCanada's Trudeau survives third no-confidence vote

Powering an e-bike using disposable vapes is about more than engineeringMALVERN, PA — TELA Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TELA) announced its participation in Piper Sandler’s 36th Annual Healthcare Conference, a premier event showcasing leading innovations in the healthcare sector. Mark your calendars for December 3rd, 2024, at 12:00 pm ET, when TELA Bio’s management will take the stage to share exciting developments and insights into our cutting-edge technologies. This presentation is a unique opportunity for investors, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to gain a deeper understanding of TELA Bio’s strategic vision and growth trajectory. Join live or catch the archived webcast later, accessible through our investor relations site at ir.telabio.com . Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore the future of healthcare innovation with TELA Bio! For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .

DETROIT — Brad Marchand's goal midway through the third period proved to be the winner and the Boston Bruins won their second straight game under interim coach Joe Sacco, beating the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 Saturday night. Marchand scored with 8:30 left as the Bruins followed a 1-0 victory over Utah on Thursday in Sacco's debut after he replaced Jim Montgomery, who was dismissed on Tuesday. Marchand's goal was his sixth this season and the 18th of his career against Detroit. Justin Brazeau scored a power-play goal for Boston and Jeremy Swayman made 19 saves. Lucas Raymond scored for the Red Wings, who have lost four of their last five games. Cam Talbot stopped 27 shots. Boston killed off a Red Wings power play in the final 1:22. Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider hit the crossbar with 30 seconds left, and Swayman was able to cover the puck. Takeaways Bruins: Boston's power play, ranked last in the league, is showing signs of life with a man-advantage goal in three straight games. Red Wings: Raymond, who scored 31 goals last season, had just two goals in Detroit's first 18 games. He scored a winner in the final minute against the Islanders on Thursday and converting in the final minute of the first period on Saturday. Detroit Red Wings center Marco Kasper (92) guards Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Detroit. Credit: AP/Duane Burleson Key moment Detroit was called for icing moments before Marchand's goal, even though a Red Wings player was near the puck when the whistle blew. Boston was able to keep the puck in Detroit's zone after the faceoff and Marchand lifted a shot from the right circle over Talbot's shoulder. Key stat Dylan Larkin's assist on Raymond's goal was the 300th of his career. He's the 15th Red Wings player and 12th Michigan-born player in NHL history to reach that mark. Up next The Bruins host Vancouver on Tuesday, while the Red Wings play at the Islanders on Monday.Trinity Rodman (via: Yahoo.com) Trinity Rodman is making waves both on the field and off. At just 22, the Washington Spirit star has already captured attention with her incredible talent and bold personality. Now, she’s aiming for a new goal, hosting the iconic Saturday Night Live (SNL). With her impressive performances and a growing international career, Rodman is ready to take on this exciting challenge. Will SNL be ready for her? The stage is set. Rodman sets her sights on SNL Trinity Rodman: The Truth about My Family Trinity Rodman, the rising star of the Washington Spirit, recently revealed her dream of hosting one of TV's most iconic shows; Saturday Night Live (SNL). At just 22, she’s already made a name for herself in the NWSL with her thrilling performances and international success, scoring three goals in six matches during the 2024 Summer Olympics. In a recent Instagram Live, Trinity playfully but seriously expressed her ambition to host the legendary NBC show, which has seen famous athletes like Charles Barkley (1993) and Michael Jordan (1991) take the stage. Her confident declaration, shared in a clip on Thursday, quickly excited fans eager to see her take on this new challenge. "Okay, my dream is to host SNL," she started. "I want to host SNL. I think it would be so funny and I think it will be hilarious. Guys, DM SNL and tell them that I wanna host." (via: Sportskeeda) Rodman’s excitement about guest hosting is infectious, revealing her long-time admiration for the iconic role. Over the years, sports legends like Nancy Kerrigan, Ronda Rousey, and Chris Evert have taken the spot, but if Rodman gets her chance, she’ll make history as the first female soccer player to do so. On the field, Rodman’s 2024 season was stellar. She led the Spirit to a second-place finish in the NWSL with an 18-2 record, just behind the Orlando Pride. The team dominated in the playoffs, though they narrowly lost 1-0 to the Pride in the championship game. As Rodman enjoys some well-earned rest during the offseason, controversy continues to follow her every move, adding another layer of intrigue to her already thrilling career. Also Read: Dwyane Wade's Christmas celebration takes a downturn as family deals with "Sick Baby" issues Trinity Rodman called Dennis Rodman her father by blood Almost two weeks ago, Trinity Rodman opened up on the Call Her Daddy podcast about her complicated relationship with her father, Dennis Rodman. In a candid conversation, she revealed that she doesn't see him as a true father figure in her life. "I lost hope in ever getting him back. I answer the phone now for my conscience to be like, 'He needed to hear my voice,' before anything happens. That's why I answer the phone, not for me. He's not a dad, maybe by blood, but nothing else." The drama took a sharp turn on social media when Dennis issued an apology to Trinity via an Instagram post, an attempt that only seemed to deepen the tension between them, leaving the forward far from impressed.

CHICAGO (AP) — CHICAGO (AP) — Oil-Dri Corp. of America (ODC) on Monday reported earnings of $16.4 million in its fiscal first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Chicago-based company said it had profit of $2.25. The maker of products for soil in the agriculture, horticulture and sports sectors posted revenue of $127.9 million in the period. This story was generated by Automated Insights ( http://automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on ODC at https://www.zacks.com/ap/ODC

Flight restrictions go in place across New Jersey for ‘security’ reasons as drones continue to fill the sky

TransMedics to Host Investor & Analyst Day on December 10, 2024

Premier League leaders Liverpool ruthlessly exploited another slip by their title rivals to move seven points clear with a match in hand after a 3-1 win over Leicester. Chelsea’s surprise defeat at home to Fulham earlier in the day had been an unexpected gift for Arne Slot’s side and they drove home their advantage by outclassing the struggling Foxes. Having overcome the early setback of conceding to Jordan Ayew, with even the travelling fans expressing their surprise they were winning away after taking just five points on the road this season, the home team had too much quality. That was personified by the excellent Cody Gakpo, whose eighth goal in his last 14 appearances produced the equaliser in first-half added time with the Netherlands international unlucky to have a second ruled out for offside by VAR. Further goals from Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah, with his 19th of the season, stretched Liverpool’s unbeaten run to 22 matches. For Leicester, who had slipped into the bottom three after Wolves’ win over Manchester United, it is now one win from the last 10 in the league and Ruud van Nistelrooy has plenty of work to do, although he was not helped here by the absence of leading scorer Jamie Vardy through injury. It looked liked Liverpool meant business from the off with Salah’s volley from Gakpo’s far-post cross just being kept out by Jakub Stolarczyk, making his league debut after former Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward was omitted from the squad having struggled in the defeat to Wolves. But if the hosts thought that had set the tone they were badly mistaken after being opened up with such simplicity in only the sixth minute. Stephy Mavididi broke down the left and his low cross picked out Ayew, who turned Andy Robertson far too easily, with his shot deflecting off Virgil van Dijk to take it just out of Alisson Becker’s reach. With a surprise lead to cling to Leicester knew they had to quell the storm heading their way and they began by trying to take as much time out of the game as they could, much to Anfield’s frustration. It took a further 18 minutes for Liverpool to threaten with Gakpo cutting in from the left to fire over, a precursor for what was to follow just before half-time. That was the prompt for the attacks to rain down on the Foxes goal, with Salah’s shot looping up off Victor Kristiansen and landing on the roof of the net and Robertson heading against a post. Gakpo’s inclination to come in off the left was proving a problem for the visitors, doing their utmost to resist the pressure, but when Salah curled a shot onto the crossbar on the stroke of half-time it appeared they had survived. However, Gakpo once again drifted in off the flank to collect an Alexis Mac Allister pass before curling what is fast becoming his trademark effort over Stolarczyk and inside the far post. Early the second half Darwin Nunez fired over Ryan Gravenberch’s cross before Jones side-footed home Mac Allister’s cross after an intricate passing move inside the penalty area involving Nunez, Salah and the Argentina international. Leicester’s ambition remained limited but Patson Daka should have done better from a two-on-one counter attack with Mavididi but completely missed his kick with the goal looming. Nunez forced a save out of the goalkeeper before Gakpo blasted home what he thought was his second only for VAR to rule Nunez was offside in the build-up. But Liverpool’s third was eventually delivered by the left foot of Salah, who curled the ball outside Kristiansen, inside Jannick Vestergaard and past Stolarczyk inside the far post.80jili.ph 。

When schoolchildren across Texas return to classrooms next fall, thousands could encounter new, Bible-infused lessons. The Texas board of education voted Friday to approve “Bluebonnet Learning,” an optional, state-developed curriculum for public elementary schools that includes Christian teachings like the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. The 8-7 vote by Texas officials arrives as Christian nationalist groups nationwide intensify their efforts to inject religion into state curricula. Earlier this month, a federal judge temporarily blocked a Louisiana law requiring every public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments by January 1. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s superintendent of public instruction, Ryan Walters, sent a memo in June ordering all 5th through 12th grade teachers to incorporate the Bible into their lesson plans. Similar directives have failed legal tests in the past. The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment is widely interpreted to enshrine church-state separation, prohibiting the government from establishing a national religion or favoring one system of belief over another. But armed with a new conservative supermajority on the U.S. Supreme Court and a federal judiciary stacked with Donald Trump’s picks, the Christian far right sees a revived opportunity to overturn decades of legal precedent. “With more conservative leaders being elected, and with the U.S. Supreme Court becoming more conservative and issuing a series of decisions weakening the separation of church and state, all of that has emboldened Christian nationalist and other religious right groups,” said Alex J. Luchenister, associate legal director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a lead plaintiff in litigation over Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law and the Oklahoma superintendent’s Bible mandate. One of these decisions was issued in 2021, when the Supreme Court found that Maine had to include religious schools in its publicly funded education assistance program. The following year, shortly after issuing the landmark decision that overturned Roe v. Wade , the Supreme Court overturned another six decades of legal precedent in the case Kennedy v. Bremerton . Joseph Kennedy, a high school football coach, had established a practice of leading group prayers in the middle of the field after each game. After attempting to negotiate religious accommodations with Kennedy, the public school district in Bremerton, Washington, ultimately declined to renew his contract, citing fears that his conduct was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court found that the First Amendment protected Kennedy’s public school prayer and safeguarded the inclusion of religious institutions in state school voucher programs. Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union wrote in an analysis that, together, these two rulings could render “the lines between church and state hopelessly blurred, if not eliminated altogether.” As a lawyer with Americans United, Luchenister has been fighting the religious right’s attacks on public education for more than 20 years. But, he told Truthout , the organization has seen “much more aggressive efforts by Christian nationalist groups” in the last year alone. “Before that, we weren’t really seeing these kinds of efforts to just defy existing precedent and directly try to push religion into the classroom in a very overt way,” Luchenister said. So far in 2024, Americans United has tracked at least 91 state bills that would promote religion in public schools, including protecting school prayer. That’s nearly double the amount of similar bills that were proposed last year. But in chipping away at foundational constitutional protections, Christian nationalist groups stand to win more than prayer in schools or Bible-based lesson plans. The legal battles playing out in federal courts could give rise to anti-LGBTQ violence and state-sanctioned discrimination against religious minorities. “Children can be made to feel that they’re marginalized, made to feel like outsiders or ostracized by their peers if there’s any indication that they don’t believe in the majority religion,” Luchenister said. “These actions threaten the most vulnerable among schoolchildren in these states.” Still, Luchenister said he thinks that Supreme Court precedent remains a sound bulwark against Christian nationalists’ latest legal attacks, particularly in the Louisiana Ten Commandments lawsuit. After all, the Court already issued a ruling in a near-identical case, Stone v. Graham . In 1980, the justices found that a Kentucky statute requiring public schools to post copies of the Ten Commandments was unconstitutional and violated the First Amendment. Why, then, might state legislators attempt to blatantly defy such clear constitutional protections? Luchenister said Louisiana’s legislation was likely “passed with the intent of trying to trigger a lawsuit” that would make its way through the federal courts, in the hopes that SCOTUS would eventually take it up and overturn the Stone precedent. Indeed, Louisiana has already appealed the district court’s ruling to the 5th Circuit. “We think the Supreme Court continues to recognize the fundamental principle that public school students should not have religion forced upon them in public schools,” Luchenister said. “But maybe we’re overly optimistic.” A report by the Center for American Progress, a progressive policy institute, called the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, “rogue.” In recent years, the 5th Circuit, which oversees Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi, has issued a series of decisions that have “allowed extremist lower court judges to issue sweeping, politically fraught rulings.” This approach, the report’s authors write, “has helped undermine the separation of powers, established precedent, and principled legal reasoning to accomplish right-wing policy goals.” The far right groups pushing for legislative change are also well-funded and highly coordinated. The First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit Christian law firm, raked in nearly $25 million last year and has served as co-counsel in several major Supreme Court victories, including Kennedy v. Bremerton . The Alliance Defending Freedom, a far right Christian advocacy organization classified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-LGBTQ hate group, says it is involved in “more than 1,000 active legal matters” at any given moment. Both, First Liberty Institute and the Alliance Defending Freedom, serve on the advisory board of Project 2025, a conservative coalition led by the Heritage Foundation that has drafted an extremist policy blueprint for Trump’s second term. “There is a much larger, broader movement that is attempting to erode and destroy the wall between church and state using schools as the vehicle,” said Colleen McCarty, founding executive director of the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, a co-plaintiff in the lawsuit against Oklahoma state superintendent Walters, the Oklahoma department of education and the members of the state’s school board. In a CNN interview last week, Walters decried “gaslighting from the left” and “hatred for this country pushed by woke teachers’ unions.” In addition to his Bible education mandate, Walters has demanded that Oklahoma schools screen a video for students that begins with him praying for president-elect Trump, and he recently announced that the first batch of Trump-endorsed “God Bless the USA” Bibles had arrived for public instruction. “President Trump has a clear mandate: He wants prayer back in school. He wants radical leftism out of the classroom,” Walters told the CNN host. “His agenda is crystal clear.”

NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lument Finance Trust, Inc. (NYSE: LFT ) ("LFT" or the "Company") announced the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.08 per share of common stock with respect to the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company also announced the declaration of a one-time special cash dividend of $0.09 per share of common stock due to real estate investment trust tax considerations. These dividends are payable on January 15, 2025 , to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2024 . The Company also announced the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.4921875 per share of 7.875% Cumulative Redeemable Series A Preferred Stock. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2025 to preferred stockholders of record as of the close of business January 2, 2025 . About LFT LFT is a Maryland corporation focused on investing in, financing and managing a portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments. The Company primarily invests in transitional floating rate commercial mortgage loans with an emphasis on middle-market multi-family assets. LFT is externally managed and advised by Lument Investment Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Additional Information and Where to Find It Investors, security holders and other interested persons may find additional information regarding the Company at the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov/ or the Company website www.lumentfinancetrust.com or by directing requests to: Lument Finance Trust, 230 Park Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10169, Attention: Investor Relations. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. You can identify forward-looking statements by use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "should," "may," "will," "seek," "would," "could," or similar expressions or other comparable terms, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company on the date of this press release or the date on which such statements are first made. Actual results may differ from expectations, estimates and projections. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release and should consider carefully the factors described in Part I, Item IA "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 , which is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , and in other current or periodic filings with the SEC, when evaluating these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company's control. Except as required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lument-finance-trust-inc-declares-quarterly-cash-dividends-for-its-common-and-preferred-stock-and-announces-special-cash-dividend-distribution-302330846.html SOURCE Lument Finance Trust

Lument Finance Trust, Inc. Declares Quarterly Cash Dividends for its Common and Preferred Stock and Announces Special Cash Dividend DistributionProtect yourself on the slopes with these top ski helmets

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Haiti wonders what’s next as gang violence surges and the push for a U.N. peacekeeping mission flopsANDRE ONANA should leave Manchester United if he fails to arrest his nightmare run of form. That is the verdict of former Old Trafford misfit Massimo Taibi, who went down in Red Devils folklore for a massive howler against Southampton’s Matt Le Tissier in 1999. 4 Andre Onana should leave Man Utd Credit: Getty 4 A number of errors have been forthcoming in recent weeks including allowing a goal straight in from a corner Credit: Getty 4 The verdict comes from ex-United goalie Massimo Taibi Credit: PA:Press Association 4 Taibi was famous for allowing a Matt Le Tissier shot to squirm under him in 1999 Cameroonian keeper Onana, 28, has had plenty of flak following a string of errors since his arrival from Inter Milan in July 2023. The bloopers culminated in a Boxing Day shocker when he was beaten direct from a Matheus Cunha corner in the defeat at Wolves. And ex-keeper Taibi, 54, reckons Onana might be better off resurrecting his career away from United. He said: “I’d be straight to the point and tell him, ‘Andre, you are one of the best keepers in Europe but in the Premier League, you are under- performing. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL RED RAGE Jim Ratcliffe has gone 'too far' with latest Man Utd decision, fume fans "Block out criticism, do some soul-searching, press the reset and go again. And if things don’t change by June, move on’. “I think subconsciously the United environment isn’t ideal for him and when a marriage is showing cracks, it’s pointless to continue. “Sometimes things don’t work out at a team and it’s best to go separate ways, which would not be a failure. "For me he’s a strong goalkeeper who finds himself in a situation where he can’t show his skills because he is not cut out for the English game. Most read in Football OLALA Rangers target's ex-boss talks him up to choose Scotland over Serie A interest BACK IN BUSINESS Ex-Gers star linked with managerial return just 13 days after being sacked SLIDING DOORS I became huge Rangers 9-in-a-row hero but Celtic wanted me to join them first 'HOW'S GRUMPY?' New MOTD host Kelly Cates reveals greeting in first interview with Sir Alex BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER S “He’s only suited to the Prem when it comes to his ball-playing ability and structure.” Taibi — who allowed Le Tissier’s long-range shot to go through his legs, into the net — believes Onana would excel in Italy or France. Francis Ngannou tackles Andre Onana to floor moments after Man Utd's win over Bodo-Glimt Ahead of tomorrow’s visit from Newcastle, he added: “Andre’s a better fit for an Italian or French team. For English football you need a goalkeeper who is more imposing, regularly comes off his line using his fists and with a different saving technique. “In his place I’d not have left Inter, where he was a big-shot. He made a calculated risk thinking he would slot in seamlessly at Manchester United but it backfired. “But even though he hasn’t lived up to expectations he remains a top keeper, one of the best in Europe.” Andre Onana sensationally told to QUIT Man Utd by ex-star after nightmare errors EXCLUSIVE by ALESSANDRO SCHIAVONE MASSIMO TAIBI has warned error-prone Manchester United keeper Andre Onana it is “one hell of task” to come back from the dead once people have written you off. Ex-Red Devils keeper Taibi, 54, even joked the under-fire Cameroon ace should pop up with a GOAL every now and then to bury the memory of his howlers. In two defeats this month, Onana was at fault for a Morgan Gibbs-White goal from long range for Nottingham Forest and for conceding directly from a corner kick from Wolves’ Matheus Cunha. Taibi, infamous for letting a harmless shot from Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier squirm under his body and in at Old Trafford in 1999, said: “He can only erase a mistake from collective consciousness with ten to 15 top performances. “If his howlers are still be a major talking point it’s because he has done nothing to wipe them away. “A keeper sets himself apart as mentally he is normally the strongest. If a striker misses five chances he still gets acclaimed but a goalkeeper who drops a clanger will be crucified for months. “To get out of that is possible — but it is one hell of a task. It’s normal some things stay inside Onana as he’s human. It can affect him but shouldn’t knock him down completely. “A keeper can’t play at the top level if he doesn’t have the ability to let things wash over him — composure is crucial.” Onana, signed in a £47.2million deal last year from Inter Milan, made a number of high-profile blunders last season. He let a weak Leroy Sane shot beat him in a 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich, made a dreadful pass that led to a red card for team-mate Casemiro against Galatasaray, and allowed a weak Mathias Jensen shot to go under his body against Brentford. Taibi said: “Last year he had a poor season but it looked as if he’d recovered. “But sometimes when you get off to a bad start at a new club, even if then you play many blinders, the first mistake you make again they rub it in your face. “At every cock-up, people will point the finger at him due to the amount of errors he made last year. The roots of this season’s problems go all the way back to last term when his stock fell.” Taibi reckons a goal he scored with a header for Reggina in 2001 has helped fans forget his 1999 shocker. He said: “I get remembered for the goal I scored for Reggina otherwise I’d only be remembered for my United howler. A keeper who scores is out of the ordinary, especially in the 2000s. “Higuita is remembered for his scorpion kick and nobody remembers Chilavert for his saves but only for scoring free-kicks. “While Zenga, the best goalkeeper in the world for many years, is often remembered for that Caniggia error at Italia 90. It’s the tough law of a goalkeeper that you cannot change.” Onana has copped lots of flak but Taibi says he is messing up in a particular way. The Italian explained: “We can only talk about a ‘clanger’ if you get off your line and miss the ball or when you let a long-ranger squeeze through your hands and when you drop an easy shot. “But his are positional mistakes. For the corner, he should have stood a bit further forward. “He may have underestimated the trajectory of the ball because it’s unlikely to put the ball where Cunha has from that position. “And for Gibbs-White, he saw that he was getting his shot away and therefore anticipated the movement and when he saw the ball it was too late. “This normally would not have been picked on if he had played ten to 15 great games. But given he’s under heavy scrutiny, mistakes like this are magnified.” Onana, 28, often alternates worldie saves with his bloopers. Taibi warned: “Pulling off a miraculous save is easier than making a routine one as it’s you who makes it look easy when you collect the ball. "But for miraculous ones, if you succeed you’re a genius and if you don’t it’s not your fault anyway. “Keepers sometimes underestimate the so-called ‘easy’ ones. Slipping is avoidable if you’re more careful and maybe he’d have saved it had he made a backwards step. “It’s easier to keep out an impossible shot than being focused for 95 minutes! A split-second distraction can be fatal.” And Taibi joked United fans would “hit” him if they were to meet. He added: “I should never concede through my legs but I slipped while I was diving. If I hadn’t it would never have nestled through the way it has. “I’ve never been back to Old Trafford since I left and never met Le Tissier again. “I’d like to return one day but I don’t think the fans would recognise me. Well let’s hope so as if they do they will hit me! “My only regret is they made me look like someone who left because he failed. I had a four-year contract and nobody pushed me out. "I had private problems, my wife walked out on me, returning to Italy with my two kids on Christmas Eve. “I made a rushed decision based on how lonely I was. If I had my time again I’d have faced my problems in England. “Being branded a ‘flop’ and the worst keeper in Premier League history irks me even today as it’s a wrong assessment. “You cannot judge a keeper on four games, of which two were good performances! I played for Manchester United, you only do so if you were a great player.” Man Utd ratings vs Wolves By Ken Lawrence WOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United's struggles continued. The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of. United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes' red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner. Here is how SunSport rated the performances... ANDRE ONANA: 4 He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal - his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected. LENY YORO: 5 Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark. HARRY MAGUIRE: 6 The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods - at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time. LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6 Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game. NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5 Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch - Cunha. MANUEL UGARTE: 5 Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card. KOBBIE MAINOO: 5 Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed. DIOGO DALOT: 6 Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United - but he had no major influence on a poor team display. AMAD DIALLO: 5 Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago. BRUNO FERNANDES: 3 Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that. RASMUS HOJLUND: 5 Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left. SUBS Casemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6 Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6 Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6 Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5 Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 550jili com 。

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Polls close in Uruguay’s election, with ruling coalition and opposition headed for photo finishAs a musician, I’ve always been in search of ways to stay at my creative peak, manage stress, and deal with the physical strains that come from long hours of practice and performing. Over the years, I’ve come across CBD and THC, two cannabinoids found in cannabis, and each has its unique benefits. But how do you decide between them? Here’s a breakdown, from both a scientific and personal perspective, of how these two compounds work and how they can support your music career. What Are CBD and THC? CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two primary active compounds in cannabis, and while they both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), they do so in different ways. When Should You Choose THC? For musicians like myself who deal with the physical demands of performing, THC can be a powerful tool. It’s especially helpful for managing pain , particularly from muscle strain or chronic conditions like arthritis. There have been times when I’ve used THC before a show to help relax my body, especially after a long rehearsal or performance, and it can be a great way to ease performance anxiety . But, there’s a catch. THC isn’t always the best choice when I need to be sharp or focused. While it can help with relaxation, it can also cloud your mind, so it’s not ideal when I need to be at my most alert, like during a live performance or when I’m writing new music. If you’re looking for a way to relax and feel more creative, THC might be your answer—but be mindful of the dosage. When Should You Choose CBD? CBD has been a real game-changer for me as a musician. It’s perfect for muscle recovery after long hours of playing, and I also use it to calm my nervous system when I’m feeling stressed before a show. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t impair cognitive function, so it’s my go-to for everyday wellness. After a strenuous session, CBD helps with inflammation and muscle tension, allowing me to keep performing without feeling physically worn out. As someone who sometimes struggles with stage anxiety , CBD has been incredibly helpful. It has a calming effect that doesn’t make me feel out of it or mentally foggy, so I can still be focused and energized during performances. Also, since CBD doesn’t have the intoxicating effects of THC, it’s great for those days when I need to be clear-headed. The Entourage Effect: Combining CBD and THC Interestingly, many musicians, including myself, find that combining both CBD and THC gives the best of both worlds. This is known as the entourage effect , where the cannabinoids work together to enhance each other’s effects. I’ve used products that offer a balanced ratio of both, and they’ve helped me relax and manage pain without the drawbacks of higher THC doses. For instance, after a particularly long tour, I may use a product that has a higher CBD content with a small amount of THC to help me sleep deeply while still feeling clear-headed the next day. It’s this balance that allows me to manage the physical toll of my career while staying focused and energized. Making the Right Choice for You For musicians, the choice between CBD and THC comes down to your specific needs. If you need something to help with sleep, stress, or recovery without affecting your focus, CBD is a great choice. On the other hand, if you need to unwind and relax without worrying about staying sharp, THC might be what you’re looking for. For those who want the benefits of both, combining THC and CBD in the right ratio can offer a powerful, well-rounded solution to managing both physical and mental stress. In my experience, cannabis—whether it’s THC, CBD, or a combination of both—has helped me stay healthy, creative, and in balance as a musician. But like any wellness tool, it’s important to find what works best for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment and see how it affects your body and mind. Always start small, and consider consulting a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about which cannabinoid or combination is right for your lifestyle.Bukayo Saka breaks silence after hamstring injury as Arsenal winger shares surgery update

Press Release: The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) inform the public that a suspected case of New World Screwworm (NWS) is being investigated in the southwestern Toledo District. BAHA has dispatched technical teams to conduct the investigation, and the public will be advised of the progress. Producers, transporters, and the public are reminded that preventative measures include regular inspection of animals, early notification, wound curing, and controlled animal movement. Key points to remember include: • Immediately report all cases of myiasis (infestation of wounds by larvae) to the nearest BAHA or MAFSE office or healthcare provider. • Ensure small stock and livestock are physically inspected and have an NWS Health Inspection Certificate and Movement Permit before any movement occurs. • Ensure movement of all small stock and livestock occurs during daylight hours. • Declare all animals (including pets) upon arrival at an Animal Movement Control Point. • Import animals only with the approval and authorization of BAHA. • DO NOT import animals through a non-established point of entry and border crossings. Any person who contravenes the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Statutory Instrument 143 of 2024: New World Screwworm Prevention, Control, and Eradication Regulations commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both such fine and terms of imprisonment. BAHA and MAFSE remind its partners, stakeholders, and the public that this highly prolific and devastating parasite has continuously spread through Central America primarily due to the illegal movement of animals. Cases of suspect larval infestations in animals can be reported to the BAHA Animal Health Department offices at 824-4872 in Central Farm, 302-1388 in Orange Walk, or via WhatsApp at 670-7003. For further information, email the Animal Health Department at [email protected] or call 824-4872.

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A Sydney family have had a terrifying close call when a red-bellied black snake slithered into their daughter’s bedroom. The highly venomous snake had made its way into the family’s home in Picton, in Sydney’s southwest , on Sunday afternoon, snake catcher Cory Kerewaro from Reptile Relocation Sydney said. “We got the call after the family’s cavoodle had actually found the snake slithering through their house and his commotion alerted the family,” he told 7NEWS.com.au. “It had slid into the toy room and curled up amongst the toys, before the family shut the door on it and placed a towel under the door so it couldn’t get out.” Kerewaro said capturing the snake was a pretty “straightforward” call out. “It’s pretty routine stuff for us, we pick them up by the tail and put them straight in a bag,” he said. “But then the daughter... she was petrified to go back in, so we spoke to her for a while and reassured her and gave her advice.” As we enter the warmer months, Kerewaro warns snakes may begin slithering into more garages and onto patios seeking shelter. “I do this all day every day ... but we generally see calls start to pick up in September and that lasts till about April ... that’s what we would typically call the snake season,” he said. “But during the warmer months in December, for example, we find them on patios and garages and going into houses because they can’t self-regulate their temperature ... they seek shelter to cool off, and so we start to find them in different places.” Kerewaro shared an incredible image of the terrifying close call to social media, showing the snake hiding amid a pile of soft toys. “PS no squishmallows were hurt during this relocation,” he joked. The Picton family, “absolutely” did the right thing after finding the deadly snake, Kerewaro added. “They got their dog to safety ... and contained the snake to the room, then they called us, and kept an eye on the door to make sure it didn’t get out,” he said. If you come across a snake in your home, remove all children and pets from the area, then if it safe to do so, isolate the snake to the room by closing the doors and putting towels along the bottom of the doors. Wires or any other nearby Reptile Relocation services should then be called.

SYRIA BEIRUT — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government denied rumors that President Bashar Assad had fl ed the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader's base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria's third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of diff erent security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.'s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an "orderly political transition." Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels "sorry for the Syrian people." In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. "The situation is very strange. We are not used to that," the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. "People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not." It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria's state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon's Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015 and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pedersen, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis "that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians." They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. Abdurrahman said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the "final stage" of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a "salvation government" to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group's image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest, and the central city of Hama, the country's fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Lions star Sam LaPorta's NFL record broken by Brock Bowers in Week 14 | Sporting News

Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday listened to the 116th episode of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at DAV Centenary Public School in Jind district. Describing the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme as inspirational for society, the Chief Minister said that through this platform, the Prime Minister spreads awareness on various social issues and brings forward people who bring positive change in the society. Giving the example of campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, he said this initiative inspires people towards protection of the environment. The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister has done many works for the welfare of the poor in the last 10 years. Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, free treatment facilities have been provided to poor families so that they are able to get treatment for serious diseases. The BJP government has won the trust of the people by continuously working for the development of infrastructure like roads, railways and hospitals. Advertisement The Chief Minister said protection of the environment has become very important in the present times. The increasing temperature of the Earth and air pollution are serious problems, to deal with which it is necessary to plant more trees. Planting trees will reduce air pollution and improve the health of citizens, which will build a prosperous nation. The Chief Minister said that the vision of the Prime Minister is that by 2047, India should become the country of dreams of those great revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives for it. After this, the Chief Minister also planted a sapling in the school premises. Several dignitaries including Cabinet Minister Mr. Shyam Singh Rana, Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, BJP State President Mr. Mohan Lal Badoli and MLA Mr. Devender Attri were present on the occasion. AdvertisementPalvella Therapeutics to debut on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "PVLA” as a publicly traded rare disease biopharmaceutical company advancing a late clinical-stage pipeline and a platform for treating serious, rare genetic diseases Strong balance sheet with approximately $80.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, including proceeds from a PIPE financing co-led by BVF Partners, L.P. and Frazier Life Sciences Cash expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial of QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin) for the treatment of microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and Phase 2 clinical trial in cutaneous venous malformations (cutaneous VMs) Microcystic LMs is a chronically debilitating and lifelong genetic disease affecting an estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. QTORINTM rapamycin has the potential to be the first approved therapy and standard of care in the U.S. for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs WAYNE, Pa., Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. (Palvella), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies, today announced the completion of its previously announced merger with Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Pieris). The combined company will operate under the name Palvella Therapeutics, Inc., and its shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 16, 2024, under the ticker symbol "PVLA". Palvella will continue to be led by Wes Kaupinen, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of the Palvella management team. The transaction was approved by Pieris stockholders at a special meeting held on December 11, 2024, and the transaction had been previously approved by Palvella stockholders. "With strong support from leading healthcare-dedicated investors, Palvella is well positioned to enter the public markets and pursue our vision of becoming the leading rare disease company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases," said Mr. Kaupinen. "This transaction will enable us to accelerate late-stage development of QTORINTM rapamycin, our lead product candidate, for microcystic LMs and cutaneous VMs while also further advancing additional novel product candidates from our QTORINTM platform." Concurrent with the merger, Palvella completed a previously announced oversubscribed $78.9 million private placement co-led by BVF Partners, L.P., an existing investor, and Frazier Life Sciences, a new investor, and with participation from a syndicate of leading healthcare-dedicated investors. Additional new investors include Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, Nantahala Capital, DAFNA Capital Management, ADAR1 Capital Management, and a healthcare dedicated fund. Existing investors Samsara BioCapital, Petrichor, CAM Capital, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Integrated Finance Group (an AscellaHealth partner company), BioAdvance, and Gore Range Capital also participated in the financing. Palvella's cash and cash equivalents of approximately $80.0 million is expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027, including through results from the SELVA Phase 3 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin for the treatment of microcystic LMs and Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous VMs. Palvella's research team developed QTORINTM, a patented and versatile platform designed to generate novel topical therapies that penetrate the deep layers of the skin to locally treat a broad spectrum of serious, rare genetic skin diseases. Well-accepted mechanisms of action of rapamycin and other therapeutic agents represent potential therapies for rare genetic skin diseases. However, the adverse event profile of those agents through systemic exposure poses significant barriers to patient adoption. Palvella's QTORINTM product candidates are designed for targeted, localized delivery of therapeutic agents to pathogenic tissue of interest while minimizing systemic absorption and thereby reducing the risk of unwanted adverse events associated with systemic therapy. Palvella's lead product candidate QTORINTM rapamycin is a novel, patented 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel currently under development for the treatment of microcystic LMs, cutaneous VMs, and other serious, functionally debilitating skin diseases driven by the overactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. QTORINTM rapamycin has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Fast Track Designation, and Orphan Drug Designation for microcystic LMs and is the recent recipient of up to a $2.6 million FDA Orphan Products Grant. QTORINTM rapamycin has also received Fast Track Designation for venous malformations. QTORINTM rapamycin is protected by issued composition patents covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S., Japan, Australia, China and Israel and pending patent applications broadly covering anhydrous gel formulations of rapamycin, as well as methods of use, in the U.S. and other countries. In the third quarter of 2024, Palvella initiated SELVA, a 24-week, Phase 3, single-arm, baseline-controlled clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin administered once daily for the treatment of microcystic LMs. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change from baseline in the overall microcystic LM Investigator Global Assessment (mLM-IGA) at week 24. The Phase 3 study is enrolling approximately 40 subjects, age six or older, at leading vascular anomaly centers across the U.S. Transaction Details Based on the final exchange ratio of approximately 0.30946 shares of Pieris common stock for each share of Palvella common stock, at the closing of the merger, there are approximately 13.95 million shares of the combined company's common stock outstanding on a diluted basis, with prior Pieris stockholders owning approximately 11% on a diluted basis and prior Palvella stockholders (including investors in the private placement) holding approximately 89% of the combined company's outstanding common stock on a diluted basis. In connection with the closing of the merger, Pieris issued a non-transferable contingent value right (CVR) to Pieris shareholders of record immediately prior to the closing, which does not include the former holders of shares of Palvella or the private financing investors. Holders of the CVR will be entitled to receive payments from proceeds received by the combined company, if any, under Pieris' existing partnership agreements with Pfizer and Boston Pharmaceuticals, in addition to other potential licensing agreements involving certain of Pieris' legacy assets, as well as certain potential payments related to historical research and development tax credits, which may or may not be realized. TD Cowen served as lead placement agent and Cantor served as a placement agent for Palvella's concurrent financing. Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP served as legal counsel to Palvella. Cooley LLP served as legal counsel to the placement agents. Stifel served as the exclusive financial advisor to Pieris and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, P.C. served as legal counsel to Pieris. About Microcystic Lymphatic Malformations Microcystic LMs are a rare, chronically debilitating genetic disease caused by dysregulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR pathway. The disease is characterized by malformed lymphatic vessels that protrude through the skin and persistently leak lymph fluid (lymphorrhea) and bleed, often leading to recurrent serious infections and cellulitis that can cause hospitalization. The natural history of microcystic LMs are persistent and progressive without spontaneous resolution, with symptoms generally worsening during life, including increases in the number and size of malformed vessels that lead to complications and lifetime morbidity. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for the estimated more than 30,000 diagnosed patients with microcystic LMs in the United States. About Palvella Therapeutics Founded and led by rare drug disease drug development veterans, Palvella Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PVLA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no FDA-approved therapies. Palvella is developing a broad pipeline of product candidates based on its patented QTORINTM platform, with an initial focus on serious, rare genetic skin diseases, many of which are lifelong in nature. Palvella's lead product candidate, QTORINTM 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORINTM rapamycin), is currently in the Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial in microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs) and a Phase 2 trial in cutaneous venous malformations. For more information, please visit www.palvellatx.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn. QTORINTM rapamycin is for investigational use only and has not been approved or cleared by the FDA or by any other regulatory agency. This press release contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act)). These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of Palvella and Pieris, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management of Palvella and Pieris. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "may,” "will,” "should,” "would,” "expect,” "anticipate,” "plan,” "likely,” "believe,” "estimate,” "project,” "intend,” and other similar expressions or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the sufficiency of the combined company's capital resources; the combined company's cash runway; the expected timing of the closing of the proposed transactions; statements regarding the potential of, and expectations regarding, Palvella's programs, including QTORINTM rapamycin, and its research-stage opportunities, including its expected therapeutic potential and market opportunity; the expected timing of initiating, as well as the design of Palvella's Phase 2 clinical trial of QTORINTM rapamycin in cutaneous venous malformations. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: the limited operating history of each company; the significant net losses incurred since inception; the ability to raise additional capital to finance operations; the ability to advance product candidates through preclinical and clinical development; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and ultimately commercialize, Palvella's product candidates, including QTORINTM rapamycin; the outcome of early clinical trials for Palvella's product candidates, including the ability of those trials to satisfy relevant governmental or regulatory requirements; the fact that data and results from clinical studies may not necessarily be indicative of future results; Palvella's limited experience in designing clinical trials and lack of experience in conducting clinical trials; the ability to identify and pivot to other programs, product candidates, or indications that may be more profitable or successful than Palvella's current product candidates; the substantial competition Palvella faces in discovering, developing, or commercializing products; the negative impacts of the global events on operations, including ongoing and planned clinical trials and ongoing and planned preclinical studies; the ability to attract, hire, and retain skilled executive officers and employees; the ability of Palvella and Pieris to protect their respective intellectual property and proprietary technologies; reliance on third parties, contract manufacturers, and contract research organizations. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in Pieris' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, as well as the registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC by Pieris in connection with the merger. Palvella and Pieris can give no assurance that the conditions to the proposed transactions will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, Palvella and Pieris undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains hyperlinks to information that is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this press release. Palvella Therapeutics Contact Information Investors Wesley H. Kaupinen Founder and CEO, Palvella Therapeutics [email protected] Media Stephanie Jacobson Managing Director, Argot Partners [email protected]50jili con 。

Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses "smart" technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good's 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food.Republicans rally around Hegseth, Trump’s Pentagon pick, as Gaetz withdraws for attorney general

BusPatrol Recognized Among Fastest-Growing Companies in North America on the 2024 Deloitte ...NonePenn State seeks to stay perfect, takes on Fordham

College Football Playoff & Bowl Game TV Schedule 2024HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Aidan O'Connell will start at quarterback when the Las Vegas Raiders visit their AFC West rival and two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce made the announcement Wednesday, saying O'Connell had progressed well after breaking his right thumb on Oct. 20 in a 20-15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams . “He’s been dialed in obviously throughout this time that he’s been on (injured reserve),” Pierce said. "He’s been at all the meetings. He’s been very encouraging on the sideline. He’s got that laser-eye focus right now. Great opportunity for him.” Gardner Minshew broke his left collarbone on Sunday in a game against the Denver Broncos and is out for the season . The Raiders could have gone with Desmond Ridder to replace Minshew. Las Vegas signed Ridder off Arizona’s practice squad on Oct. 21. He started 13 games for Atlanta last season, passing for 2,836 yards and 12 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Pierce opted for O'Connell, who became the starter midway through last season and went 5-4 the rest of the way. Minshew beat him out for the job in the preseason but then struggled through five games. Pierce then put O'Connell in the starting lineup on Oct. 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. O'Connell completed 27 of 40 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown with an interception in the 32-13 loss . Then O'Connell was injured early the following week at Los Angeles and was placed on IR, sidelining him for at least four weeks. The Raiders on Monday designated him to return to practice, opening a three-week window in which O'Connell could be activated. That came this week. “He carried himself like a starter, even when he was on IR," Pierce said. "He did that when he was a backup. He did a great job of just being engaged with the players, engaged on the sideline, in meeting rooms. He’s the one speaking up, talking. You could just look at his eyes. You can look at his demeanor. "He wasn’t a guy like: ‘All right, I’m out for the season. I’m not going to play. No, I’ll be back. I’m ready to be back.’ And he worked his tail off to get back.” O'Connell has a short week to prepare, complicated further because the Raiders aren't having full practices. He was the last opposing quarterback to win at Arrowhead Stadium. Even though he didn't complete a pass after the first quarter, the Raiders walked away 20-14 winners in that Christmas Day game. Las Vegas can only play a little bit of a spoiler this week. The Raiders at 2-9 have lost seven consecutive games, and the Chiefs have their sights on becoming the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row. “Let’s call a spade a spade,” Pierce said. "The best team in football against the worst team in football. Let’s change the narrative, right? Let’s go out there and make it a dog fight. Let’s make it ugly. Let’s make it scrappy. It’s Black Friday. Let’s create a little chaos. Let’s get back to Raider football and have some fun and some personality. Let it loose.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLAston Villa had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday after a last-gasp effort by Morgan Rogers was chalked off for a foul on Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio. Villa thought they had won it at the death to end a six-game winless streak when Di Gregorio failed to catch a free kick but Diego Carlos fouled the Juventus keeper as Rogers was lashing the ball into the net, and boos poured out from Villa fans after the final whistle. The match was far from a classic, with Juventus seemingly content to keep possession, and both sides squandered chances, with Villa's best coming from Lucas Digne who hammered a free kick off the crossbar seconds before halftime. Midway through the second half, Francisco Conceicao's header from a corner looked destined for the back of Villa's net but goalkeeper Emi Martinez dived to get his fingertips to the ball. Unai Emery's Villa, who had kicked off their Champions League campaign with three victories and three clean sheets, are ninth in the table after five games, while their Italian visitors, who had only 14 outfield players available on Wednesday, are 17th.

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The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority.Yext Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 ResultsPenn State seeks to stay perfect, takes on Fordham

Guided Tour Technology Market Overview and Leading Players: Listen Technologies, SOOLAI, Williams Sound, Mipro, Okayo, Sennheiser, HAYACO, MEDER CommTech GmbH 12-09-2024 09:37 PM CET | Tourism, Cars, Traffic Press release from: STATS N DATA Guided Tour Technology Market The Guided Tour Technology Market is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing demand for immersive and interactive experiences in tourism. With the global tourism industry bouncing back from recent challenges, guided tour technologies are becoming indispensable for enhancing visitor engagement and improving overall satisfaction. These technologies encompass various applications, from audio guides to advanced wireless systems, catering to both indoor and outdoor tourism experiences. Recent developments within the market reflect a surge in technological advancements. Companies are increasingly investing in innovative solutions that leverage the power of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and mobile applications to provide tailored experiences for users. Strategic collaborations between technology firms and tourism operators are also playing a crucial role in propelling market growth. As of December 2024, the trends indicate a robust growth trajectory, with stakeholders keen on integrating state-of-the-art technologies to meet changing consumer preferences. You can access a sample PDF report here: https://www.statsndata.org/download-sample.php?id=270295 Key Growth Drivers and Trends Several factors are driving the demand for guided tour technology. The push for sustainability in tourism has led to a rise in interest for solutions that minimize environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience. As consumers become more aware of their choices, the demand for eco-friendly, efficient technologies is on the rise. Digitization is another critical driver, as more travelers rely on digital tools for planning and experiencing their journeys. Key trends shaping the future of the guided tour technology market include: - AI Integration: Artificial intelligence is being utilized to offer personalized experiences, with systems learning user preferences and adapting content accordingly. - Product Customization: Consumers increasingly seek unique experiences; hence, customizable tour solutions are gaining popularity. - Emerging Technologies: The incorporation of virtual reality and augmented reality is revolutionizing how tours are conducted, providing rich, immersive experiences. Market Segmentation The Guided Tour Technology Market can be segmented into various categories to understand its dynamics better. The segmentation is as follows: - Segment by Type - Wired Tour Guide System: This traditional system involves wired headsets and transmitters, primarily used in indoor settings. - Wireless Tour Guide System: These systems offer greater flexibility and mobility, enabling guides to engage with participants without the constraints of wires. - Segment by Application - Indoor Tourism: This segment focuses on museums, art galleries, and historical sites where guided tours enhance the visitor experience. - Outdoor Travel: Catering to parks, heritage sites, and outdoor events, these technologies allow for interactive and informative outdoor experiences. Get 30% Discount On Full Report: https://www.statsndata.org/ask-for-discount.php?id=270295 Competitive Landscape The Guided Tour Technology Market is characterized by strong competition among various players, each contributing to the market's evolution. Key companies influencing the market landscape include: - Listen Technologies: Known for its innovative solutions in assistive listening, Listen Technologies is expanding its product line to include advanced guided tour systems. - SOOLAI: This company focuses on wireless audio solutions, enhancing communication between guides and participants. - Williams Sound: A leader in assistive listening devices, Williams Sound is integrating tour guide systems with advanced technology for improved user experiences. - Mipro: With a wide range of wireless communication solutions, Mipro is enhancing the guided tour experience through cutting-edge technology. - Okayo: Okayo specializes in compact and user-friendly tour guide systems, catering to both indoor and outdoor applications. - Sennheiser: Renowned for its audio technology, Sennheiser is applying its expertise to develop high-fidelity guided tour systems. - HAYACO: This company offers innovative solutions for guided tours, focusing on user engagement and advanced audio technology. - MEDER CommTech GmbH: Known for its sophisticated audio solutions, MEDER is contributing to the market with high-quality guided tour systems. - TAKSTAR: TAKSTAR provides affordable yet reliable tour guide systems, making technology accessible for various applications. - Globibo: Specializing in interpretation and translation services, Globibo is integrating guided tour technologies to enhance communication. - Beyerdynamic: This company is known for its professional audio equipment, offering high-quality solutions for guided tours. - Orpheo Group: Orpheo focuses on innovative audio guides, enhancing the visitor experience through technology-driven solutions. Each of these companies not only innovates but also collaborates with tour operators and destinations, thus shaping the market's future. Opportunities and Challenges As the guided tour technology market expands, numerous opportunities arise. Untapped regions, particularly in developing countries, present a vast potential for growth. As these regions enhance their tourism infrastructure, the demand for guided tour technologies is expected to rise. Furthermore, evolving consumer preferences toward personalized and interactive experiences create a fertile ground for innovation. However, the market also faces challenges such as regulatory constraints that can hinder the introduction of new technologies. Operational inefficiencies and a shortage of skilled talent may also pose hurdles for companies looking to expand and innovate. To navigate these challenges, businesses must invest in workforce development and advocate for favorable regulations that support technological advancements in tourism. Technological Advancements The Guided Tour Technology Market is witnessing a surge in technological innovations that are reshaping how guided tours are conducted. Cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual tools are becoming integral to the market. AI algorithms are enhancing personalization, providing tour guides with insights into visitor preferences and behavior. IoT-driven systems are enabling real-time data collection and analysis, improving the overall efficiency of guided tours. Virtual tools are also gaining traction, allowing users to engage with content in immersive ways. Augmented reality applications provide tourists with enriched experiences, overlaying digital information onto physical environments. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will play a critical role in defining the future of guided tours. Research Methodology and Insights STATS N DATA employs a rigorous research methodology to ensure comprehensive and accurate market insights. The approach includes both top-down and bottom-up methodologies to assess market size and growth potential. Primary research involves interviews with industry experts and key stakeholders, while secondary research encompasses analysis of existing data and reports. Triangulation techniques are utilized to validate findings, ensuring that the insights presented are reliable and actionable. This thorough research process positions STATS N DATA as a trusted authority in the guided tour technology market, providing stakeholders with the information needed to make informed decisions. In conclusion, the Guided Tour Technology Market is on the brink of significant growth and transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and a focus on sustainability. As the industry evolves, stakeholders must remain agile and innovative to harness the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring a vibrant future for guided tours worldwide. For customization requests, please visit: https://www.statsndata.org/request-customization.php?id=270295 https://www.statsndata.org/report/guided-tour-technology-market-270295 John Jones Sales & Marketing Head | Stats N Data Phone: +1 (315) 642-4324 Email: sales@statsndata.org Website: www.statsndata.org STATS N DATA is a trusted provider of industry intelligence and market research, delivering actionable insights to businesses across diverse sectors. We specialize in helping organizations navigate complex markets with advanced analytics, detailed market segmentation, and strategic guidance. Our expertise spans industries including technology, healthcare, telecommunications, energy, food & beverages, and more. Committed to accuracy and innovation, we provide tailored reports that empower clients to make informed decisions, identify emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Our team of skilled analysts leverages cutting-edge methodologies to ensure every report addresses the unique challenges of our clients. At STATS N DATA, we transform data into knowledge and insights into success. Partner with us to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. For more information, visit https://www.statsndata.org or contact us today at sales@statsndata.org This release was published on openPR.Cooper, Batcho lead Louisiana Tech past Richmond 65-62

NEW YORK — Several of President-elect Donald Trump 's Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and "swatting attacks," Trump's transition said Wednesday. "Last night and this morning, several of President Trump's Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks "ranged from bomb threats to 'swatting.' In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action." President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a meeting of the House GOP conference, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Swatting entails generating an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The FBI said in a statement that it is "aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement." Among those targeted was New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is seated before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a meeting of the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Her office said that, Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. "New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism," her office said in a statement. "We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7." In Florida, meanwhile, the Okaloosa County sheriff's office said in an advisory posted on Facebook that it "received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz's supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area around 9 a.m. this morning." While a family member resides at the address, they said "former Congressman Gaetz is NOT a resident. "The mailbox however was cleared and no devices were located. The immediate area was also searched with negative results." Gaetz was Trump's initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration amid allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by unusual violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The U.S. Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer and Eric Tucker contributed to this report from Washington. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.The number of Australian homes bought by foreigners fell last year, as high stamp duty costs deter potential buyers. The downturn reflects the government’s efforts to reduce foreign investment and cut migration, experts say. The number of foreigners purchasing property in Australia dropped last financial year. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos The number of approved residential real estate investments by overseas buyers fell to 5581 in financial year 2024, down from 6576 in 2023 (15 per cent), figures from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) show. The combined value of approved residential real estate proposals from Chinese and Hong Kong buyers (with China the largest foreign-buyer pool in Australia), dropped last financial year from $4 billion to $3 billion. Property portal Juwai IQI co-founder and group managing director Daniel Ho said affordability has unexpectedly become an issue for foreign buyers here. “Foreign buyers pay much more to purchase and to hold property in Australia than local residents and citizens,” Ho said. “They have extra taxes, fees, and duties that local buyers don’t have to worry about.” In Sydney, foreign buyers pay a one-off application fee, a stamp duty surcharge of 8 per cent and an annual land tax surcharge of 4 per cent. Both components will increase to 9 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively, from next year. Buyers who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents are restricted in the types of dwelling they can purchase. Foreign investors are limited to new dwellings or off-the-plan sales, to help boost Australia’s housing stock. The combined value of approved residential real estate proposals from Chinese and Hong Kong buyers dropped from $4 billion to $3 billion last financial year. Credit: Steven Siewert Temporary residents can apply for approval to buy an established home to live in for the duration of their stay, or can also buy an established home for redevelopment if it increases the housing stock. Plus Agency managing director Peter Li said the higher fees and taxes compounded the cost of holding property in Australia as a foreigner. “That’s pushing foreign buyers out of the market. Even if you could afford to buy it, you have to be able to afford to keep it, and that’s why people are selling,” Li said. “Overseas purchasers are cash rich, so they have assets overseas – not just Chinese, I’m talking about Persian, Lebanese, Americans, British. Normally, they sell their assets [to buy in Australia]. So the mortgage is not a big concern ... it’s the surcharges.” He said foreign buyers have been declining since the introduction of fees and surcharges in 2017, especially in unit-heavy markets such as Sydney’s Chatswood and Burwood. Li said they could once sell an entire development to foreign buyers before the introduction of the FIRB application fees and surcharges, but would now struggle to sell one in 10 to them. Cuts to migration levels and increasing difficulties in qualifying for permanent residency were driving foreign buyers from Australian real estate, Li said, which he did not think would improve. OH Property Group’s Henny Stier noted fewer foreign buyers in Sydney’s north and north shore. “A lot of new builds and apartments in places like Epping have dropped ... if they’re not buying, then local buyers are not buying them, so they’re sitting around on the market and prices are dropping,” Stier said. It was more difficult to move cash from countries like China and Indonesia where there were strict limits on withdrawals, Stier said. Stier added the Australian government’s attempts to disincentivise foreign investment were working. In Melbourne, the top destination for Chinese buyer interest in Australia, foreign buyers face an 8 per cent stamp duty fee. Foreign buyers are subject to extra stamp duty costs. Credit: Paul Rovere Director at Belle Property Balwyn Robert Ding said overseas buyers were delaying property purchases until they obtain permanent residency, when the increased stamp duty no longer applies. “When someone’s paying $4 million to $5 million [for a property], it’s quite a hefty fee,” Ding said. “What a lot of these foreign buyers do ... is rent or even buy something of a less substantial value. Once they get permanent residency, which usually takes about four or five years, that’s when they start to buy properties.” Ray White Balwyn director Helen Yan has noticed a downturn in Chinese buyers since the start of this year, when the federal government paused applications for the significant-investor visa which requires recipients to invest $5 million in Australia. “That’s why the high-end property [market] has slowed down a lot,” Yan said. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said the number of foreigners buying in Australia has probably returned to pre-COVID levels following the post-pandemic housing boom. “Foreign buying was quite weak through the pandemic years because of travel restrictions,” Oliver said. “That sort of slowed down through the pandemic, then there was a bounce back, and I suspect it’s now just settling down after that initial bounce back. “There could also be some cooling associated with the backlash we’re seeing against foreign students, with student visa numbers down, which may have, to some degree, weighed on foreign purchases as well.”Syrian government services come to 'complete halt' as state workers stay home after rebel takeover

Even in outwardly inclusive workplaces, LGBTQ+ employees face ‘invisible’ challenges

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Japan's cabinet approves $140 billion stimulus package to spur growth

South Carolina is off to an uneven start, but that hasn't obscured the steady rise of Collin Murray-Boyles. The 6-foot-7 sophomore will be the player to watch when South Carolina (6-3) hosts South Carolina Upstate (4-8) Saturday afternoon in Columbia. Murray-Boyles leads the Gamecocks in points (16.2), rebounds (9.4), steals (1.2) and blocks (1.1) per game. As South Carolina struggled to a 75-68 victory over East Carolina on Saturday, Murray-Boyles carried the Gamecocks, making all 10 of his shots from the floor and finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds. "He's been working on pivoting towards the basket and getting on balance and then making a strong move through some contact," South Carolina coach Lamont Paris said. The Gamecocks have been highly dependent on Murray-Boyles. In the two games in which he has fouled out, South Carolina lost to Xavier and Indiana. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks are unbeaten in the six games in which he has collected at least eight rebounds. "He's still growing and it's exciting to see," Paris said. "He's got phenomenal natural touch." Also emerging lately have been Norfolk State transfer Jamarii Thomas, who had season highs of 22 points and seven assists against East Carolina, and Morris Ugusuk, who has hit 10 of 14 shots from 3-point range in the last three games. South Carolina Upstate has been sparked by a pair of guards who each have won multiple Big South freshman of the week awards. Carmelo Adkins had 31 points and 12 rebounds in wins last week over Division III Brevard and at Western Carolina, while Mister Dean leads the Spartans in points (15.7), rebounds (5.6) and steals (2.0) per game. "He sparks runs because he'll make a dynamic dunk," Spartans coach Marty Richter said of Dean. "He brings energy with how he scores the basketball, in a hurry. He can score in bunches." The Spartans enter on a high as the win over Western Carolina was Richter's first over a Division I team. South Carolina Upstate is 1-8 all-time against South Carolina. This year, the Spartans are winless in four games against power conference schools. In an 85-80 loss a month ago at Wake Forest, however, they led for much of the second half. --Field Level Media

Walmart’s DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump’s election victoryExplore, shop, and donate this season (Okanagan Taste)

Scottish international Adams scores long-range stunner in Serie A win for TorinoNEW YORK — A number of President-elect Donald Trump 's most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and “swatting attacks," Trump's transition team said Wednesday. The FBI said it was investigating. “Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting, in which attackers initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The tactic has become a popular one in recent years. President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a meeting of the House GOP conference, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) “In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” Leavitt said. Among those targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations, Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Susie Wiles, Trump's incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General whom Trump has chosen as Gaetz's replacement, were also targeted, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity amid the ongoing investigation. Wiles and Bondi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said in a statement that it was “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees" and was "working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.” Stefanik's office said that, on Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is seated before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a meeting of the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) "New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism," her office said in a statement. “We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7." The New York State Police said a team was dispatched to sweep Stefanik’s home on Wednesday morning in response to the bomb threat but did not locate any explosive devices. A spokesman for the agency directed further questions to the FBI. Zeldin said in a social media post that he and his family had been threatened. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he wrote on X. “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.” Police in Suffolk County, Long Island said emergency officers responded to a bomb threat Wednesday morning at an address listed in public records as Zeldin’s home and were checking the property. In Florida, meanwhile, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said in an advisory posted on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area around 9 a.m. this morning.” While a family member resides at the address, they said "former Congressman Gaetz is NOT a resident. The mailbox however was cleared and no devices were located. The immediate area was also searched with negative results.” Gaetz was Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration amid allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by disturbing and unprecedented violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The U.S. Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted in recent years by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes. The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election interference case against him in Washington, D.C. were both targeted earlier this year. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who recently abandoned the two criminal cases he brought against Trump, was also the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day last year. Earlier this year, schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials in Springfield, Ohio received a string of hoax bomb threats after Trump falsely accused members of Springfield’s Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs. And in 2022, a slew of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide were targeted with dozens of bomb threats with the vast majority arriving during the celebration of Black History Month. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday that, “Anytime a Member of Congress is the victim of a 'swatting' incident, we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners. To protect ongoing investigations and to minimize the risk of copy-cats, we cannot provide more details at this time.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the threats “dangerous and unhinged.” “This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump. Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats,” he wrote on X. “It is not who we are in America.” Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York contributed to this report. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Jennison Associates LLC Decreases Stock Holdings in CDW Co. (NASDAQ:CDW)Marpai has secured a number of significant new accounts for 2025 TAMPA, Fla. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marpai, Inc. ("Marpai" or the "Company") (OTCQX: MRAI), a technology platform company, operates as a national Third-Party Administrator (TPA) through its subsidiaries. Marpai is transforming the $22 billion TPA market by offering affordable, intelligent, healthcare solutions to self-funded employer health plans. Traditionally, TPAs target about 80% of their new business and renewals for January 1 st ; with the addition of our new sales team in early 2024, the Company is pleased to report that it has secured several new major clients for 2025. Some of the new clients include: a 4,000 employee life restaurant group, a 6,000 employee life multi-location hospital group and a few housing industry clients with approximately 3,400 employee lives that are set to transition over the course of 2025. The additional sales, along with the continued execution on efficiencies and cost reductions, keep the Company on track for expected break-even performance in early 2025. "Our sales team has excelled in leveraging Marpai Saves to deliver immediate value to our targeted industries," commented Damien Lamendola , Marpai CEO and Director. "Additionally, our focus on cost efficiency and productivity keeps us on track for an expected break-even in early 2025. It's been a busy but successful year." About Marpai, Inc. Marpai, Inc. (OTCQX: MRAI) is a technology platform company which operates subsidiaries that provide TPA and value-oriented health plan services to employers that directly pay for employee health benefits. Primarily competing in the $22 billion TPA sector serving self-funded employer health plans representing over $1 trillion in annual claims. Through its Marpai Saves initiative, the Company works to deliver the healthiest member population for the health plan budget. Operating nationwide, Marpai offers access to leading provider networks including Aetna and Cigna, industry leading Reference Based Pricing (RBP) solutions and all TPA services. For more information, visit www.marpaihealth.com , the content of which is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Investors are invited to visit https://www.ir.marpaihealth.com . Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified through the use of words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "guidance," "may," "can," "could", "will", "potential", "should," "goal" and variations of these words or similar expressions. For example, the Company is using forward looking statements when it discusses new business, future opportunities, that the new client contracts are set to transition over the course of 2025 and its expected break-even potential in early 2025. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect Marpai's current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from Marpai's current expectations depending upon a number of factors. These factors include, among others, adverse changes in general economic and market conditions, competitive factors including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions, uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and market changes, risks associated with managing the growth of the business. Except as required by law, Marpai does not undertake any responsibility to revise or update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. More detailed information about Marpai and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in Marpai's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marpai-announces-general-updates-for-q4-302317017.html SOURCE Marpai

As Atalanta continues to challenge the traditional powerhouses of Italian football, Muriel's confidence and belief in the team's abilities will be crucial. With the support of their passionate fans and the guidance of Gasperini, Atalanta has the potential to make history and lift the Serie A trophy for the first time in their history.50jili app 。

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As preparations for the upcoming season get underway, all eyes will be on Beijing Guoan and their new head coach as they aim to make their mark in the Chinese Super League. With Valverde at the helm, the club is poised for an exciting and promising season ahead, full of potential and possibilities.Social media reacts to Trump 'dominating world leaders' with Macron handshake during meeting in FranceChina's getting a big electric car battery swapping boost in 2025. Would that work across the globe?

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Accused UnitedHealthcare CEO attacker Mangione fights New York extraditionThe boy, whose identity has not been released to the public, had been walking home from school when he stumbled upon a disturbing scene - a man wielding a knife confronting a group of people outside a local convenience store. Eyewitnesses report that the boy hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do in the face of such danger. Before he could react, the man lashed out with the blade, fatally stabbing one of the bystanders.

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As the conflict in Syria continues to evolve and the search for a lasting peace remains elusive, the symbolic gesture of raising opposition flags at the Syrian Embassy in Russia serves as a reminder of the human toll of war and the importance of dialogue, empathy, and understanding in forging a path towards reconciliation and stability in the region.2 Healthcare Dividend Stocks to Hold for the Long Haul